ChatGPT is an impressive tool, but it is just that – a tool Artificial intelligence has come a long way. Unlike the rudimentary software of the past, modern-day programs such as ChatGPT are truly impressive. Whether you need a 1,000-word essay summarizing the history of Manitoba, a 500-word article extolling the virtues of your favourite…
We must never give up the struggle to preserve our right to know Academic freedom is a cornerstone of democracy. Academic freedom, therefore, should be cherished by both the left and the right. When this freedom is threatened, it should concern all of us. Academic freedom is misunderstood by many. As an educator, I want…
The learning styles myth perpetuates a falsehood about how students learn Are you a visual learner, an auditory learner, or a tactile-kinaesthetic learner? If you think this is a valid question, then you, like many others, have fallen for one of the most pervasive education myths out there. It’s not hard to test this claim…
The age of internetization has arrived in the province
The launch of the McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick is confirmation that the age of internetization has arrived in the province. Internetization is a new word I’ve coined to describe the global outreach and electronic connectivity that empowers the 21st century. COVID-19 underlined that internetization has become foundational to our existence. Millions…
It's unreasonable to assume that students can practise critical thinking without first acquiring substantial background knowledge
All students should become critical thinkers. The ability to synthesize and evaluate information, and come up with new ways of looking at things is highly prized in education circles from kindergarten to graduate school. Given the importance of critical thinking, it’s not surprising that schools across the country proudly trumpet the progress they make in…
From punitive tax strategies to moribund job creation to a weak education system, this provincial government seems intent on failure
Are New Brunswick's challenges so overwhelming that the provincial government has given up trying to solve them? Or does the province believe decisions to reverse its grim economic position and troubling social indicators should be kicked down the road? After a recent provincial government announcement to permanently ban shale gas development and another to appeal…