Noise, FOMO, and Obligation:

Finding focus in the chaotic world of AI innovation

Grandfather Michael’s latest comment on noise resonated for me in the midst of my personal transition out of the front-line fire of the world of bureaucracy that my consulting practice existed in.  I have spent the last months trying to step back from, or off of, an overwhelming feeling of being on an increasingly faster treadmill that FOMO (fear of missing out) binds me to.  The impact of artificial intelligence, or its potential, on education has been a central topic of debate over the past two years that, for me, goes beyond cognitive overload to outright immobilization.

Since ChatGPT’s arrival, I have scrambled to navigate and keep up with a chaotic, disruptive, and growing force that has a direct impact on student learning and our education system.  The AI explosion has, like many previous technology-based “innovations”, triggered both a Chicken-Little “the sky is falling” response, along with the innovation promise of education system transformation.  Aargh!  Here we go again!  The wheel of ‘what goes around comes around’ seems to be the only thing that moves in the world of education bureaucracy.

But back to the commentary on noise, FOMO, and obligation.  At this time, as GF Michael questions: “How do we tune out or tune down all of this noise?”, what can we do?  How can I step back to focus on those things I wish to focus on amidst this AI chaos?  The noise is not just deafening, it is immobilizing.  Yes, AI is not going away.  However, I am not one to bury my head in the sand, look sideways, or even retreat to the ‘good old days’.  Yet, I cannot seem to find a path to navigate these turbulent waters and keep my head from spinning.  I am hoping that engaging with my grandchildren to learn how they are navigating this world will help trigger any wisdom I have accumulated in my years in education that I can share back.