The hottest Education Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top International Topics
Rod’s Blog β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 24
  1. AI has both direct and indirect impacts on the environment. It can lead to high energy consumption and carbon emissions due to the computational complexity and rapid innovation cycle of AI systems.
  2. The way AI is used can either help or harm the environment. It can optimize energy efficiency and support sustainable development, but it can also increase resource demand, pollution, and disrupt ecosystems.
  3. To lessen the negative environmental effects of AI, collaborative efforts are essential. This includes implementing ethical guidelines, promoting green AI research, educating about AI's environmental impact, and incentivizing energy-efficient AI solutions.
Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 8 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jan 25
  1. Teachers can have a big impact on our lives. One teacher taught lessons that stayed with me long after class ended.
  2. Exploring poetry can be really meaningful. A poet's words can connect deeply to experiences like love or historical events.
  3. Sharing different writing techniques can help people express themselves better. Teaching a writing course can inspire creativity and improve skills.
The Bigger Picture β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 22
  1. John Vervaeke uses his research to bridge Western philosophy, Eastern wisdom practices, and cognitive science.
  2. Vervaeke aims to create a framework for navigating the crisis of truth, alienation, and lack of wisdom in today's culture.
  3. The live event in London will offer an intimate salon-style setting with dialogos practice, Q&A, and socializing.
The Author Is Dumb β€’ 4 implied HN points β€’ 17 Nov 24
  1. Exegesis is about understanding the Bible as a text. It means looking at the historical context and what the text really says, not just what you believe it should say.
  2. It's okay to study theology without being a believer. People take these classes for different reasons, and belief isn’t needed to engage with the material critically.
  3. The course involves challenging readings that are intended to push students. Engaging with these challenges is a key part of learning and growing in understanding.
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Infinitely More β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 25
  1. The game of Twenty-One involves two players counting to twenty-one by saying one to three numbers each turn. The goal is to be the one who says 'twenty-one' to win.
  2. Players can develop strategies to control the game and eventually win. It’s smart to think ahead about how many numbers to say.
  3. This game can help illustrate important ideas in game theory. It’s a fun way to explore how cooperation and strategy work together.
Disaffected Newsletter β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 08 Dec 22
  1. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is being criticized as a form of brainwashing in American public schools.
  2. Some school officials are very focused on supporting trans and non-binary youth, even to the point of removing political materials from public areas.
  3. There are discussions around unusual topics, like a nuclear waste official who has been in trouble for stealing luggage.
next big thing β€’ 83 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jun 23
  1. Aging presents opportunities for new products and services to improve the lives of older adults.
  2. Investing in climate and sustainability companies offers the chance to solve big problems with novel solutions.
  3. The education market has evolved, with a focus on solutions for schools and districts to meet students' and families' needs.
Fight to Repair β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 03 Oct 22
  1. Teaching repair skills in schools and establishing networks of Repair Cafes are key ideas discussed at FixFest to promote repairability and reuse.
  2. Advocates highlighted the need for a legal right to repair, pointing out the barriers individuals face when trying to repair items.
  3. Efforts to promote repair independently of regulations post-COVID were emphasized at FixFest, showcasing the resilience and growing interest in repair events.
The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 01 Feb 23
  1. Discussing not-knowing can be uncomfortable, especially when there are too many people involved. It’s hard to have a deep conversation with large and diverse groups.
  2. Different people have different ways of dealing with not-knowing, which can lead to confusion and discomfort during discussions. Finding common ground is important.
  3. Preparing for discomfort in new experiences, like snowboarding, can help. Sometimes, facing unknowns can lead to unexpected enjoyment and learning.
Technology, Environment, and Art β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jan 24
  1. Human happiness and contentment is tied to the health of the biosphere, including all life forms, not just humans
  2. We need more thinkers who ask basic, general questions without relying on specialized knowledge, encouraging a return to fundamental philosophy
  3. We should move beyond prioritizing profit and measurable variables to embrace a new philosophy emphasizing harmony with the biosphere and a shift towards empathetic and wise thinking
Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 25
  1. Losing friends can be really tough, especially when they let you down. It shows how important trust is in friendships.
  2. Sometimes, something good can come out of a bad situation, like finding a new connection or love. Those experiences can bring joy into our lives.
  3. Even if friendships fade over time, the good memories and feelings can stay with us forever. It's the love and respect that keep them alive in our hearts.
Infinitely More β€’ 10 implied HN points β€’ 07 Dec 24
  1. You can interpret one mathematical structure using another, which helps express features of the first in terms of the second. This means you find a way to connect different types of math using a common language.
  2. There are many examples of this interpretation, like placing integers inside natural numbers or examining complex numbers through real numbers. These examples show how different math concepts relate to each other.
  3. Understanding how to interpret structures can help us explore logic more deeply, opening up new ways of thinking in math, philosophy, and computer science.
Spatial Web AI by Denise Holt β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jan 24
  1. Denise Holt has started a new Substack channel focused on Active Inference AI, the Free Energy Principle, and more in the AI field.
  2. She has imported all her past articles from her blog and will be sharing new content, including surprise material for paid subscribers.
  3. Denise Holt invites readers interested in cutting-edge AI to subscribe and support her work on Spatial Web AI.
Castalia β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 10 Sep 22
  1. Prohibition changed the view of personal freedom and government control. It showed how some people believe in limiting choices for a better life, while others want no restrictions at all.
  2. Universal education has its roots in Horace Mann's vision. However, its old model may not fit today's needs, so there should be changes to help students discover their own paths and skills.
  3. Heriberto YΓ©pez values literature as a means of self-transformation and courage. His work challenges norms and encourages writers to embrace their potential for change.
Sunday Letters β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jul 22
  1. Talent is often used as an excuse for not trying something new. People might say they lack talent instead of acknowledging that skills come from hard work and practice.
  2. No one is born an expert in anything, including tech or music. Mastery in any field requires time and effort, and everyone struggles at first.
  3. Using the term 'talent' can discourage people from pursuing their interests. If someone thinks they need a special gift to succeed, they might not even try, but anyone can learn with determination.
Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 25 Aug 22
  1. Coccolithophores are tiny marine plants that can bloom in huge numbers. These blooms are so big they can be seen from space, turning the water a vibrant color.
  2. Chalk used in schools comes from coccoliths, the remains of these tiny organisms. The famous White Cliffs of Dover are made from billions of these tiny critters that lived millions of years ago.
  3. The shift from chalk and slate blackboards to whiteboards means students might be missing the natural connection to where their materials come from. Using chalk was a way for kids to engage with nature's wonders.
Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jan 25
  1. Making New Year resolutions can lead to feeling bad if you don't stick to them. Instead, not making any can help avoid that pressure.
  2. Advertisements can sometimes highlight the wrong details. It's often better to focus on what really matters to customers, like comfort and reliability.
  3. Books and reading are enjoyable, and finding interesting ones in second-hand shops is a fun adventure. Plus, discussing what you read with others can make it even better.
Holodoxa β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 23 Sep 22
  1. William Deresiewicz's collection of essays 'The End of Solitude' covers various themes like technology's impact on culture, higher education issues, and reflections on Jewish identity.
  2. Deresiewicz questions the effects of technology on solitude, argues about the problems with higher education focusing on academic elites, and suggests a reevaluation of cultural and intellectual practices.
  3. The book delves into topics often missing from mainstream discourse, highlighting the importance of the humanities and showcasing a blend of influences through essays that challenge readers.
Geopolitical Economy Report β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 24 Sep 21
  1. Peru's President Pedro Castillo emphasizes guaranteeing healthcare, education, housing, and jobs as rights to all citizens
  2. He calls for a 'social transformation' to ensure economic and social rights are prioritized alongside civil and political rights
  3. Castillo highlights the importance of protecting the environment, addressing extreme poverty, and reducing inequality
ailogblog β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 15 Dec 23
  1. Startups like Hume.ai are exploring emotionally-aware AI for personalized learning in education.
  2. Transparency initiatives, like the one from the Center for Research on Foundation Models, aim to improve understanding of AI training data and processes.
  3. Antitrust actions against tech giants, like the recent ruling against Google, may impact the power dynamics in the AI industry, potentially benefitting smaller companies.
Humanities in Revolt β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jan 22
  1. The humanities are essential during times of crisis, providing vital resources and insights to navigate challenges and understand the human condition.
  2. Humanities in Revolt seeks to bring the study of philosophy, literature, arts, and history out of academia and into everyday life to explore human values and existence.
  3. The newsletter focuses on the ethical primacy of humanity over material possessions, promoting creativity, courage, and the activation of our fullest human potential.
The Digital Anthropologist β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 17 Apr 23
  1. Play is crucial in the digital age as automation advances, helping us innovate and develop new technologies.
  2. Rethinking play is essential as AI integrates into society, impacting knowledge workers and job structures.
  3. Play is important for both children and adults, aiding in creativity, stress reduction, and continuous learning, especially as we live longer and pursue multi-career paths.
Gad’s Newsletter β€’ 50 implied HN points β€’ 02 Oct 23
  1. MasterClass offers high-priced edutainment with celebrity instructors, blurring the lines between entertainment and education.
  2. Evaluating scalability involves factors like growth potential, constraints, alignment, leadership, and efficiency.
  3. High production costs might challenge MasterClass's path to profitability, impacting its ability to balance growth and maintain quality.
Splattern β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 09 Dec 23
  1. 54% of Americans aged 16 to 74 read below a 6th grade level. This shows a big gap in literacy skills that affects people's ability to understand important documents.
  2. In 2023, there were almost 2.5 million encounters at the US-Mexico border. More migrants are coming from Central and South America than ever before.
  3. 70% of Jewish students at MIT feel they have to hide who they are due to fear. There's a lot of tension on campus, and it raises questions about how universities are handling such issues.
Technohumanism β€’ 1 HN point β€’ 11 Aug 24
  1. Self-expression is really important for everyone, even in tough situations like being in prison. When people can't express themselves, it feels like a type of punishment.
  2. Inmates at San Quentin show their individuality through small style choices, like the shoes they wear or how they layer their clothes. Even though they have limited clothing, they still find ways to stand out.
  3. Teaching writing to incarcerated people can lead to deep conversations about creativity and identity. They take the opportunity to learn and share their ideas seriously.
Sunday Letters β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 23 Oct 22
  1. Optimization is a constant process in our daily lives. We look for ways to make things easier, faster, and cheaper to achieve our goals.
  2. Bottlenecks are points that limit the effectiveness of a system. Identifying these bottlenecks helps us understand what is holding us back.
  3. Disruption can happen when new technologies find a way around existing bottlenecks, leading to better solutions and opportunities. Staying curious and willing to change is key to innovation.
Infinitely More β€’ 12 implied HN points β€’ 19 Oct 24
  1. Recursive chess is a new twist on the traditional game where pieces must play their own mini-games before capturing. This makes each capture more complex and interesting.
  2. The rules of recursive chess are still being debated, with no clear answer on how to play. Different interpretations could lead to many unique gameplay experiences.
  3. Exploring the rules of recursive chess invites deeper discussions about game theory and the nature of games themselves, making it a fascinating topic for anyone interested in strategy.
ailogblog β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 27 Nov 23
  1. Generative AI should be understood within social and historical contexts to reduce the perceived urgency and confusion around it.
  2. Embracing generative AI requires abandoning familiar teaching methods and administrative practices, creating a need for new ways of working.
  3. Language used around generative AI should be carefully chosen to avoid unrealistic comparisons between machine and human capabilities, focusing on practical implications and ethical considerations instead.
Sunday Letters β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 22
  1. It's easy to feel like you know something when you only understand it on the surface. True understanding comes from actually doing and applying what you've learned.
  2. Impostor syndrome can affect even the most capable people. It's important to recognize when familiarity is not the same as true competence.
  3. Being familiar with complex subjects is okay for making decisions. However, you should always be cautious not to overestimate your understanding of them.
Pekingnology β€’ 37 implied HN points β€’ 07 Mar 24
  1. The number of foreign students coming to study in China, especially from developed countries, has significantly decreased in recent years, presenting challenges for cultural exchanges and international relations.
  2. Challenges like perception issues regarding foreign students, changes in internship and employment opportunities, and academic research procedures contribute to the decline in foreign student enrollment in China.
  3. To address the decline in foreign students, suggestions include raising awareness about the importance of foreign students, improving public opinion, enhancing internship and employment opportunities, and resolving practical issues faced by foreign students.
ailogblog β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 23
  1. Generative AI like ChatGPT has shown potential for efficient completion of mundane tasks, impacting education practices and easing administrative burdens.
  2. There is a growing tension between transparency/openness and secrecy in the development of AI technologies, raising concerns about potential risks and ethical implications.
  3. The use of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT has expanded the 'uncanny valley' to language, triggering discussions about data quality, environmental impact, and responsible development of AI.