Repeat After Me: Algorithms Are Not Humans

Repeat After Me: Algorithms Are Not Humans

Everyone says artificial intelligence (AI) represents the wave of the future. AI involves the simulation of intelligent human behavior in computers. It uses algorithm-driven programming that allows the computer to explore and adjust to all possible choices and select the ideal outcome. Tech enthusiasts claim computers can approximate or even exceed human … Read more

“Technology-Rich” Classrooms Cannot Replace Good Teachers

“Technology-Rich” Classrooms Cannot Replace Good Teachers

As any honest teacher will tell you, learning is difficult. However, teachers may only admit this truth when no one else is around. Such disclosures clash with the prevailing educational orthodoxy. In addition, learning difficulties are likely to be blamed on teachers, who thus make themselves targets. Therefore, making it easy to … Read more

Something Is Wrong When Family Dinners Are Silent

Something Is Wrong When Family Dinners Are Silent

Never have we been so connected and informed. We have at our fingertips a world of knowledge covering every possible field. We can easily communicate with others all over the world at little cost. We should have advanced immensely in speaking with others. Everything should be in place for long stimulating conversations … Read more

Who Hasn’t Experienced the Frustrations of Technology?

Who Hasn’t Experienced the Frustrations of Technology?

As we pulled away from the terminal getting ready for takeoff, the plane stopped fifty feet away. There we waited inexplicably for about a half hour before the pilot came on the speaker. He reported that the ground crew had pulled us away from the terminal but forgotten to free the steering … Read more

Who Are the Glow Kids?

Who Are the Glow Kids? 2

A bemused reader might scan the title of this book review and frown, “what in the world is a glow kid?!” But do not worry, the author of this review asked the same question when the book was recommended by a colleague. After reading the first few pages, however, confused readers will … Read more

Staying in Business in the Age of the Customer

Staying in Business in the Age of the Customer 1

A review of The Age of the Customer: Prepare for the Moment of Relevance by Jim Blasingame, (Florence, AL: SBN Books, 2014). A good book is one that provokes good questions in the mind of the reader. It need not provide all the answers. The important thing is to challenge the person to … Read more

Reflections on Women in Combat

Reflections on Women in Combat 2

One of the most earthshaking decisions of our country in 2015 occurred on December 3, when Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter declared that all combat jobs would become open to women with “no exceptions.” While it is horrible enough that women will be exposed to the horrors of war, the shock waves … Read more