The Network is the Learning
Make sure you're connected
I don’t know about you, but this winter has been a pain. We’ve had school closures for snow, extreme cold, sickness, you name it. Thankfully, we’re starting to see the sun here in the Bluegrass, some warmer temps, and some relief from an unusually nasty winter. Onward we march.
10 Things Worth Sharing
1. My dissertation research has me exploring the Connectivist theory of education (we’re all nodes on the network, including the machines) which has sent me back into the history of open source software development, hacker culture, and all things early internet. I re-read Eric Raymond’s The Cathedral and the Bazaar (dated but still fascinating) and I’m queuing up Steven Levy’s Hackers book next.
If you’ve never explored the history of computing from the 60s to the 90s, it’s a fascinating period. You might also want to check out Revolution OS, a documentary about developing open source software and Linux. And to get the tales of the non-free and open source world, check out the brilliant Pirates of Silicon Valley (featuring Noah Wyle and Anthony Michael Hall bringing the heat as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, respectively).
2. As someone who leverages technology for all sorts of tasks, I can’t get away from the thought that AI will disrupt the education space more than it already has. Of course, that will only happen if we get over our fears of the technology and model how teachers and students use AI appropriately. Vicki Davis has some thoughts on AI that I mostly agree with, especially the part where we admit that students have and will always find ways to cheat if they so desire, but also how AI doesn’t replace learning or critical thought; it must be a support.
3. A new paper reveals some insights into the world of Open Education, taking a deep statistical dive, mapping out trends, key players, and persistent headaches. Spoiler alert: MOOCs, OER, and digital transformation are big deals, but so are equity gaps, faculty skepticism, and sustainability struggles. The research clusters show open education evolving from “just share the PDFs” to actual pedagogical innovation, but barriers remain, mainly because institutions move slower than a dial-up connection. Bottom line? Open education has massive potential, but we need smarter policies and less gatekeeping to make it work.
OEP isn’t just about free stuff—it’s about hacking the system so learning becomes networked, participatory, and student-driven. That’s where Connectivism waltzes in, arguing that learning happens in networks, not just inside one person’s head (sorry, behaviorism). Meanwhile, SoLD reminds us that people learn best when they feel safe, supported, and engaged—not just when they memorize facts. Put it all together, and you get a digital learning Jedi Order, where students remix knowledge, build connections, and level up in ways that matter.
4. I’m interested in learning more about Harvard GSE’s Center for Digital Thriving, part of Project Zero. Their mission is to “create knowledge and research-based resources that help people — especially youth — thrive in a tech-filled world.”
5. AI in the classroom sounds like a power-up—faster learning, instant answers, and no grinding through the tough stuff. But what if skipping the struggle means losing the XP we actually need?
Dan Cohen dives into whether AI is leveling up education or just speed-running past the parts that build real expertise. Letting AI do the heavy lifting might leave students without the mental muscle to actually think for themselves.
So, our goal should be to let AI do what it does best: mechanical, monotonous tasks that free teachers and students to ‘play’ more and learn. Right?
6. Tech companies seem to be playing a game of DEI hot potato—some tossing it aside to dodge lawsuits, while others double down on inclusion as a competitive advantage. Google and Amazon? Hitting the brakes. Arm, HPE, and Apple? Still in the race.
With the U.S. pushing “merit-based” hiring (whatever that means) and Europe sticking to its DEI guns, global corporations are now juggling conflicting policies. Meanwhile, researchers warn that ditching diversity efforts could cost companies the innovation they claim to prize.
7. “Democracy Dies in Darkness” Wasn’t a Warning; It Was Our End Goal. “When it comes to choosing whether or not to resist authoritarianism, I believe Snyder meant to write, ‘Do not! Obey in advance!’”
8. Just a reminder: The Covid Alarmists Were Closer to the Truth Than Anyone Else (and so were the Trump alarmists)
9. RIP Roberta Flack. The artist that once fired Luther Vandross as her backup singer so he could start his career and whose voice was described by Whitney Houston as “one of the purest voices she’d ever heard,” left us this week. She worked as a schoolteacher in Washington, DC, for ten years before making a splash with “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” featured in “Play Misty for Me.” We may never hear a voice like hers again.
10. RIP Gene Hackman. As if losing Roberta wasn’t enough, we lost a movie industry giant. A force in many of my favorite movies (and yours too, likely) who will not soon be forgotten.
That’s it for this week, gang. We’ll see if March comes in like a lion next week.
Cyas,
MP