I often first encounter video clips with the sound muted. I just realized that I have developed a new skill: I can tell with no volume—just from the lighting or the way the performers are moving or playing their instruments—which song they are singing with near 100% accuracy. Hyperfixation, ftw?

I guess this is why they pay me the big bucks 😭

On the plus side, he only shows up about half the time, so there's that?

One version of this student this semester, who I refer to in my head as Scowly McGrumpyface, alternates between staring daggers at me, looking away in undisguised disgust when I say something he finds particularly egregious, and occasionally twisting his glare into a condescending sneer. Fun times.

So. Much. More. lol

What I have seen so far is making me so happy! They understand the ideas! The concept explanations do not appear to be AI-generated. And the visual components are so creative and so varied and offer such a cool window into their thought processes. Cautiously optimistic that this was a success.

The activity asked them to define/explain some terms we covered in the first 3 weeks and visually represent how they see the connections between those ideas. The assignment is due tonight and I am looking at the early submissions. I also set aside class time today for last-minute consultations...

But I couldn't help but wonder: Is there another way? This semester in one of my classes I replaced an early written exam designed to assess their understanding of some foundational theoretical material with a concept map assignment...

Looking dapper, sir.

not even infuriating anymore, just exhausting

True. I find the NYT framing exhausting nonetheless.