Hi, I’m Linda. Thanks so much for checking out the second edition of my Linda Be Learning newsletter. If you are just discovering me, I encourage you to check out my website to learn more about the work I do in the field of learning innovation.

In this newsletter, you will get a taste of the broad array of learning innovations I work on and topics I address, from tech perspectives to AI myths to personal wellness apps to motor learning from a kinesthetic/biomechanical perspective.

So let’s dig in!

Tech Predictions and Retrospectives

I am always discovering and exploring new tech and comparing it to tech that has existed for what feels like forever, for those of us who’ve been in the industry for decades. I follow several influencers and creators in the various niche areas of tech that interest me, and one of my favorites is Marques Brownlee. If you don’t already follow him, I recommend that you do.

Tesla’s Robotaxi

I could write an entire book on the evolution of self-driving cars, reality versus fantasy. And if you own a Tesla, I have already judged you, sorry ‘bout it.

But I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention Tesla’s unveiling of its new robotaxi. Aesthetically, there are so many things about it that creep me out — the lack of door handles combined with the fact that it’s a two seater with reclining seats is a big “nope” for me. It makes me wonder who was in the room when many of these design decisions were made.

But I don’t want to take away from Marques’s review, which you can watch in its entirety below. It’s as insightful as his reviews always are. Please enjoy.

AI/ML for Good

As a proponent of AI and machine learning for good, I’m always on the lookout for research, companies, and products that benefit humanity. If you're not already familiar with Dr. Dagmar Monett's research on AI, allow me to introduce you to her work.

Deconstructing the AI Myth

In her August 2024 paper, Deconstructing the AI Myth: Fallacies and Harms of Algorithmification, Dr. Monett elegantly describes today's AI algorithms and the technological background that makes them possible. The paper provides examples of the negative impacts and the implications of not addressing or ignoring certain issues, especially in education. But it also highlights proven ethical AI practices through consistent advocacy, grounded materials, and critical work on digital literacy, particularly AI literacy.

It’s a worthwhile read for anyone interested in working on machine learning projects with me, if you want to better understand what's real and what's marketing hype.

Featured Clients, Partners and Projects

Each month, I feature a client, partner or project involved in building inspiring learning technology. This month, I’m featuring QUIVR.

QUIVR

QUIVR is a pioneering platform dedicated to empowering busy women with the knowledge and tools they need to experience informed pleasure in their lives. I met QUIVR founder and CEO Amber Simon in April 2024, after watching her pitch QUIVR over Zoom at a Denver pitch event. I knew at that moment that she was on to something revolutionary.

In this video, you see an excerpt from a QUIVR QUONVO between me and Amber. But this is just a taste. The QUIVR app is currently available on the Apple Store and coming soon for Android.

And if you are interested in staying on top of the latest and greatest from QUIVR, I encourage you to join the QUIVR community.

Learning Theory and Learning Technology

Learning design isn’t just about pretty pictures and cool technology. At the heart of the best innovations is a thorough understanding and application of learning theory and proven practices. And not all of that theory and practice comes from the education field — some of the most insightful learnings I’ve gained about learning came from studying motor learning, both when I was working on my undergraduate psychology degree and when I was working on my second master’s degree in kinesiology.

Motor Learning

As much as our learning experiences can broaden our perspectives, they also box in and limit our thinking by basing what we think we know as truth being limited to what we were taught about that subject matter, and from what perspective. Kinesthetic learning is a perfect example of that.

If you are like many L&D professionals, you might have cringed at that phrase - kinesthetic learning — due to an association with the widely broadcast “learning styles myth.” In fact, learning styles are regularly lampooned on platforms like LinkedIn among learning professionals, because “everyone knows” that learning styles are a myth. This disparagement is so commonplace that if you even mention kinesthetic learning in some circles, you are immediately dismissed as lacking credibility.

In the meantime, those of us with both an academic and a practical background in kinesiology are puzzled by this narrow mindedness. I mean, certainly, of ALL people, learning professionals SHOULD be interested in learning about perspectives that are less or even unfamiliar to them, right? Why would you scoff at the term kinesthetic learning when motor learning is foundational to understanding both human development from a psychological perspective as well as human performance from a biomechanical perspective? It is one of the core exercise sciences, along with anatomy, physiology, and nutrition.

So what is motor learning? It’s the process of acquiring and modifying movement patterns through practice and experience. It's a complex process that involves the brain's cognitive and perceptual systems.

Motor learning enables people to perform actions automatically without conscious thought. Mastering motor skills can take months or even years. Some examples of motor learning include: learning to walk, learning to drive a car, learning to play a musical instrument, learning to type on a keyboard, and learning to figure skate.

When we move beyond response acquisition to sustained changes in motor behavior, we describe it as building muscle memory. The brain stores motor memories, which are used constantly throughout the day.

In addition to scientists and athletic coaches, other motor learning specialists include physical therapists. In fact, this recent article is a great introduction to motor learning for those who didn’t realize that kinesthetic learning refers to more than just a learning “style.”

Upcoming Learning Offering

Seats are still available for my What Is Learning Fireside Chat, scheduled for 9 AM PDT on October 24, 2024.

Space is limited, so sign up today to save your seat. As always, expect a highly interactive session that is best experienced in person — watching other people interact isn’t nearly as impactful as directly interacting yourself.

But even if you can’t make it in person, you will get time-limited access to the recording when you register. Watching me model virtual synchronous facilitation practices, along with the insights about the concept of learning, are also valuable in and of themselves.

Still not convinced? Watch this video to learn more about why you should attend.

I hope to see you there.

That’s all for now. See you next month!