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Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.
Aristotle
You know, relationships can be a real rollercoaster ride, right? A little something that I always try to keep in mind: “assume positive intent.” It’s like a little mantra that helps me navigate the ups and downs. Many things fall into a gray area where things can be seen in different lights, either positively or negatively. Choosing to believe that the other person means well, is like a little magic trick that helps things go more smoothly. I’m not always successful at doing this but I’m trying to keep this thought top of mind as much as possible. Have you ever experienced anything like this yourself?
As always, thanks for reading.
What I’m Listening To: I’m assuming everyone will have positive intent if they listen to this Happy Mix with me today! 8)
Last Week’s Most Clicked:
AI-Powered Learning Design
📰 News & Notes
Facts Don’t Change Minds
This is a thought-provoking article that explores the role of propaganda in shaping public opinion and argues that it can be an effective tool for persuasion despite its negative connotations. It highlights the psychological biases and cognitive limitations that make people resistant to factual information and suggests that propaganda, when employed ethically, can tap into emotions, values, and narratives to influence beliefs and behaviors.
🎯 Take away: Challenging the notion that facts alone change minds, this article highlights the power of skillfully crafted narratives in shaping beliefs and opinions, making a case for the virtues of propaganda.
We Don’t Think As Much As We Think We Think
Can we trust our intuitions? In this Microsoft Research talk, Daniel Kahneman reveals where we can and cannot trust instincts, exploring the machinery of the mind and the two systems that drive the way we think and make choices. System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. Bringing together years of research from one of the most influential psychologists in history, Thinking Fast and Slow will transform the way you think about thinking.
If you haven’t read his book yet, drop what you’re doing and grab a copy now.
🎯 Take away: These are ideas that everyone, especially learning pros, should know and leverage.
Assigning AI: 7 Ways to Use AI in the Classroom
Ethan Mollick explores the various applications and practical implementations of artificial intelligence (AI). He highlights seven key areas where AI can be employed effectively, including automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making processes, improving customer service, optimizing resource allocation, personalizing user experiences, analyzing big data, and advancing scientific research. If you aren’t familiar with Ethan, he’s a leading voice on using AI and one of my favorites to follow
🎯 Take away: This article emphasizes the potential of AI to revolutionize diverse industries and offers insights into how organizations can harness its power to drive innovation and efficiency in their operations.
9 Click-Worthy YouTube Videos That Will Help You Lead Live Sessions
Gwyn Wansbrough is the final week of her 4-week series where she shares curated lists of her all-time favorite design and facilitation resources. I’m confident that you’ll find a few worth bookmarking.
If you’re curious, here are her previous 3 weeks as well:
Week 1 >🎙️ Favorite facilitation podcasts
Week 2 > 📚 18 books that will help you become an exceptional facilitator
Week 3 > 🧰 10 Facilitation Toolkits I can’t live without
🎯 Take away: Most of us lead online sessions to one degree or another and these resources are gold!
Decorative Animations Impair Recall
Hopefully you know that working memory plays a crucial role in our ability to learn? A recent study investigated the impact of decorative animations, like those found in PowerPoint presentations, on learning and working memory. The study found that these “seductive details” hindered learning and memory retention. Students had difficulty recalling content presented alongside such animations compared to still images. Additionally, remembering the animations themselves was harder, leading to increased mental workload. These findings highlight the importance of minimizing extraneous cognitive load to optimize learning outcomes.
🎯 Take away: Decorative animations appear to act as a seductive detail that impairs learning, even though they may appear to enhance the visual appeal of slide presentations. So, pause for thought before clicking “insert clipart.” 😎
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🎧 Podcasts
These are the conversations that caught my ear this week.
🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips
If tools are your jam, check out my new WorkSmarter newsletter
10015 Tools
All online tools you need in one box for free. Build anything online with “all-in-one toolbox”. All tools are easy-to-use, blazing fast & free.
Opus Clip – AI-powered Video Repurposing
Opus Clip turns long videos into high-quality viral clips for you to share.
NexSnap
Make beautiful and engaging screenshots in seconds. No sign-up or credit card is required
Openxams
If you’re a teacher, you know how much time and effort goes into creating and grading exams. With OpExams, we make it easy to prepare, administer, grade and analyze, both your paper and online exams.
Discover a New Way to Create and Share Your ID Portfolio
Elevate your eLearning courses and take your instructional design skills to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in the field, this webinar will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips on creating impactful and engaging course portfolios.
🧳 Where’s Mike?
CUNA Learning Live
September 16
San Antonio
Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free-time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or by buying me a coffee.
Mike Taylor 