The best titles, like the best jokes, don’t need explanation. “Semi-schematic” feels almost self-explanatory, but at the risk of being overly didactic, I’m referring to:

• mental schema, or mental models of understanding and experience
• semi-schematic diagrams, which blend realistic elements into abstracted representations
• Schema, a delightfully odd musical side-project blending members of Stereolab and Hovercraft

This series of posts will be akin to a professional newsletter, focusing on education-related topics like learning, teaching, instructional design, education technology, and human uses of information. These posts already have their very own Semi-schematic RSS feed!

In addition to my own thoughts, you can expect me to amplify or respond to other people’s work. Education—by which I mean both our institutionalized and self-lead systems for learning—are undergoing myriad changes and challenges. We’ll all likely understand what’s going on far better if we share our insights and perspectives.

I’ll also mention activities like the Navigating Privacy Issues with Generative AI Panel I participated in, or attending the Open Education Conference.

Fun Fact

Fun fact: I almost called this newsletter “Buttoned Up”, since I’ll likely also post “wrap ups” amplifying other people’s works, it’s the most “professional” or “buttoned up” I’m likely to be on this site, and because Buttondown is one of the platforms I’d consider use if I were ever to start using an email newsletter platform instead of just adding a category of posts to this site.