Why a Moratorium?

Paper-based textbooks have served their purpose for over a century, from the days of McGuffey Readers in the 1800s to the glossy, expensive volumes of today. However, the landscape of education has evolved, and these static, analog resources no longer meet the needs of students in a digital-first world. Digital curriculum materials offer a range of advantages that make them far superior to traditional textbooks, including:

• Up-to-date content: Digital resources can be updated frequently, ensuring that learners always have access to the latest information.
• Adaptability: They can cater to diverse learning styles, abilities, and disabilities.
• Interactivity: Digital platforms engage students through interactive features, promoting active learning.
• Support for differentiation: Personalized learning paths can be created to meet individual student needs.
• Assessment capabilities: Ongoing assessments and immediate feedback are built into many digital tools.

A Shift to One-to-One Learning

The future of education lies in one-to-one learning, where each student is equipped with their own digital device. These devices enable students to not only access content but also create, collaborate, and contribute to a global knowledge base. Continuing to invest in paper textbooks is to deny learners the tools they need to succeed in a connected, 21st-century world.

Programs like One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) have demonstrated the transformative potential of providing students with digital devices. Yet, many schools and districts have been slow to embrace such initiatives. This hesitation often stems from a lack of vision, understanding, or the courage to challenge the status quo.

Libraries, Not Textbooks

This call for a moratorium on textbooks is not a rejection of all printed materials. On the contrary, libraries and trade books remain invaluable for fostering a love of reading and providing diverse resources. Research, like that of Dr. Stephen Krashen in The Power of Reading, underscores the importance of access to a wide range of texts. However, when it comes to curriculum materials, the shift to digital resources is not just practical—it’s essential.

Building a Digital-First Education System

Education must evolve beyond the tools of the past—chalkboards, pencils, and textbooks—to fully embrace the possibilities of the digital age. The widespread use of laptops and digital curriculum can transform classrooms into hubs of collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Teachers need tools that enable students to not only consume knowledge but also create and share it on a global scale.

The digital age offers unparalleled opportunities for personalized, interactive, and meaningful learning. By reallocating funds from textbooks to digital devices and resources, we can better prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

The question is no longer whether we can afford to make this shift—but whether we can afford not to.

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A Tale of Two Schools: Collaborative Learning Across Continents

In Georgia and Bangladesh, two educators, Vicki Davis of Westwood Schools and Julie Lindsay of the International School Dhaka, have embraced the concept of the “flat classroom.” Inspired by Thomas Friedman’s The World is Flat, their students embarked on a groundbreaking two-week project.

The Setup
Vicki’s 10th-grade Computer Science class and Julie’s 11th-grade ITGS class paired students from their respective schools. Each duo—comprising one student from Georgia and one from Bangladesh—collaborated to create a series of projects, including a wiki, a video, and a podcast exploring topics from Friedman’s book.

The Process
The collaboration began with students recording personal introductions, breaking the ice across cultural and geographical divides. Using tools like wikis and video conferencing, the pairs worked together to tackle their assignments, navigating time zones and technological challenges to create meaningful projects.

The Outcome
The result? A comprehensive and thoughtfully graded collection of digital media projects that didn’t just teach technical skills but also encouraged cultural exchange, global awareness, and critical thinking.

A Language Arts Innovation: Connecting Through Culture

Meanwhile, in South Carolina, Chris Craft, an innovative language arts teacher, used technology to connect his 6th-grade students with their peers in Lima, Peru.

The Preparation
Chris’s students prepared for the interaction by researching Peruvian culture through a classroom wiki. Topics ranged from food to sports, sparking curiosity and excitement as they learned about life in another country.

The Big Day
Using Skype on repurposed computers, the students engaged in a live video conference with their Peruvian counterparts. The energy was electric—students were thrilled to ask questions, share insights, and see the faces of their newfound friends.

Why Flat Classrooms Matter

These examples highlight the incredible potential of flattening classrooms:

• Cultural Understanding: Students gain firsthand exposure to different perspectives, fostering empathy and global citizenship.
• Collaboration Skills: Working across borders develops essential teamwork and communication skills for the future.
• Engagement: The novelty and excitement of connecting with peers worldwide energize students, making learning fun and memorable.

Bringing Flat Classrooms to Your School

Inspired by these projects? Here’s how you can implement similar ideas:

1. Find a Partner Class: Use platforms like ePals or the Global Virtual Classroom to connect with educators worldwide.
2. Start Small: Begin with simple projects like shared wikis or email pen pals before progressing to multimedia collaborations.
3. Leverage Free Tools: Utilize accessible technologies like Skype, Zoom, or collaborative platforms like Google Workspace.
4. Encourage Exploration: Let students research and choose topics that excite them, fostering ownership and curiosity.

By flattening the classroom, educators like Vicki Davis, Julie Lindsay, and Chris Craft are paving the way for a more connected and innovative educational experience. These projects remind us of the infinite possibilities technology offers to inspire curiosity, creativity, and collaboration among students worldwide.

How can you bring the world into your classroom? Share your ideas or experiences in the comments below!

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A Community of Influencers

The list highlights other outstanding educational blogs, including:

• David Warlick’s Two Cents Worth: Insightful commentary on educational technology and 21st-century learning.
• Will Richardson’s Weblogg-Ed: A go-to source for innovative ideas on teaching and learning in the digital age.
• Steve Dembo’s Teach 42: A treasure trove of tips and strategies for integrating technology into classrooms.
• Wes Fryer’s Speed of Creativity: Inspiration for educators seeking to foster student creativity.
• Lucy Gray’s A Teacher’s Life: A personal perspective on navigating the world of education with a global mindset.

Why This Matters

Being part of this list underscores the importance of platforms like ITM in shaping the future of education. Blogs like these empower educators to:

• Discover New Ideas: From tech integration to creative teaching methods, the Ed Blogosphere is a hub for fresh perspectives.
• Build Community: These platforms connect like-minded individuals, fostering collaboration and shared learning.
• Stay Inspired: With stories, strategies, and tools, these blogs help educators navigate challenges and celebrate successes.

Explore the Blogosphere

If you’re looking for inspiration over the weekend (or a holiday break), diving into the Top 100 Education Blogs is a fantastic way to start. Whether you’re exploring new approaches to teaching, discovering tech tools for the classroom, or simply seeking motivation, these blogs offer something for everyone.

Happy Reading—and here’s to more infinite thinking!

Have a favorite Ed Blog to recommend? Share it in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going!

The post Celebrating Innovation: ITM Among the Top 100 Ed Blogs appeared first on Infinitethinking.

The answer lies in rethinking the role of play in learning.

Why Play Matters

Play is often dismissed as frivolous or unproductive, but research tells a different story. Psychologists and education experts agree that play fosters critical skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability—all essential for success in the 21st century. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play also supports cognitive, social, and emotional development in children.

For older students, “play” might take the form of project-based learning, experimentation, or creative problem-solving challenges. When students are encouraged to explore, fail, and iterate, they develop resilience and a love for learning that goes far beyond the classroom.

How Schools Can Embrace Play

1. Incorporate Makerspaces
   Makerspaces provide students with hands-on opportunities to create, invent, and experiment. Whether it’s building a robot, designing a model city, or coding an app, makerspaces allow learners to apply their knowledge in practical, imaginative ways.
2. Use Open-Ended Projects
   Shift away from assignments with a single “right” answer. Encourage students to tackle open-ended problems that allow for multiple approaches and outcomes. For example, instead of asking students to memorize facts about climate change, challenge them to design their own solutions for reducing carbon footprints.
3. Redefine Success
   Reward curiosity, creativity, and effort, not just correct answers. Celebrate the learning process, including mistakes, as part of growth. This mindset helps students feel safe to take risks and think outside the box.
4. Integrate Playful Technology
   Tools like Minecraft Education, Scratch, and Tinkercad combine play with learning, helping students grasp complex concepts in math, science, and engineering while having fun.
5. Build Time for Free Exploration
   Allow students time to explore their own interests. Whether through “genius hour” or passion projects, unstructured exploration often leads to surprising innovations and deeper engagement.

The Role of Parents and Communities

Parents and communities play a vital role in fostering a culture of creativity. Simple actions like encouraging curiosity at home, providing access to art supplies, or participating in community events like hackathons or art fairs can make a big difference.

A Call to Action

To truly inspire creativity and innovation, we must reimagine education as a space where play and learning coexist. By embracing the power of play, we equip students with the skills and mindset they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

As educators, parents, and students gather at this conference to share ideas and insights, let’s commit to championing creativity in all its forms. The future belongs to those who dare to imagine—and it starts with how we teach and inspire the next generation.

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What Is Twitter?

Twitter is a microblogging platform where users share messages, or “tweets,” of up to 140 characters. These tweets are visible to your followers, who are often family, friends, or people with shared interests. While some use it for trivial updates (looking at you, celebrity oversharers), educators can unlock its potential for collaboration, resource-sharing, and professional growth.

When used thoughtfully, Twitter becomes a tool for connecting with like-minded individuals, discovering innovative teaching strategies, and staying informed about trends in education and technology.

Why Should Educators Use Twitter?

Twitter can be a game-changer for teachers, administrators, and parents who want to stay at the forefront of educational innovation. By following accounts related to topics like STEM, global education, or digital tools, you’ll gain access to a wealth of ideas and resources.

Tools like Tweetdeck make it easy to manage your feed, allowing you to search for specific topics or hashtags. For example, setting up searches for terms like “Everyday Math” or “citizen science” can connect you to conversations, articles, and resources you might not find otherwise. Sharing what you learn with your followers is equally important, as giving back is a core part of Twitter’s collaborative culture.

How to Get Started

Ready to dive in? Here are five essential resources to help you begin your Twitter journey:

1. Twitter in Plain English
   A short, simple video that breaks down what Twitter is and how it works. Perfect for beginners.
2. 7 Things You Should Know About Twitter
   Published by Educause, this resource highlights the practical uses of Twitter in education and beyond.
3. Tweetdeck
   A must-have tool for managing your Twitter activity. Organize your feed by topics, hashtags, or users to streamline your experience.
4. TwitThis
   A browser tool that makes it easy to share interesting articles and resources on Twitter with just one click.
5. Hootsuite
   Once you’ve mastered the basics, try Hootsuite to manage multiple accounts and schedule tweets.

Bonus Resource: Twitter Freaks Group

If you’re hooked on Twitter and eager to explore its full potential, consider joining the Twitter Freaks Group. This online community shares tools, tips, and strategies for leveraging Twitter to its maximum potential, especially in education.

A Call to Action

Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just dipping your toes into the world of educational technology, Twitter offers endless possibilities for growth, collaboration, and inspiration. Take the leap, create an account, and start exploring the innovative ways this platform can transform how you teach, learn, and connect.

Let us know in the comments how you’re using Twitter to inspire creativity and innovation in your classroom or community!

The post Friday Five: Twitter 101 for Educators and Innovators appeared first on Infinitethinking.

From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by two confident 5th-grade students who led us into a space brimming with evidence of student-driven learning. It was a classroom where exploration and innovation were the order of the day, where challenges were met with ingenuity, and where every corner told a story of curiosity and empowerment.

A Classroom Full of Creativity

In Dr. Gerstein’s classroom, students weren’t just passive learners; they were inventors, creators, and problem-solvers. Here’s a snapshot of what we witnessed:

• Interactive Projects: One pair of students was finishing a miniature piano built from craft materials while programming Pico Cricket sound sensors to play a melody they had composed.
• Sustainability in Action: A student demonstrated a solar-powered windmill made from Legos, harnessing Arizona’s abundant sunlight.
• Digital Storytelling: Two boys debated the plot of their digital book on Tikatok, an online book-publishing platform.
• Creative Exploration: Other students used Tux Paint, an open-source drawing program, while some critiqued Web 2.0 tools on Think.com.
• Hands-On Learning: Tables and shelves were filled with storyboards, backdrops, and models made of Legos, clay, and craft materials—all part of a long-term digital storytelling project.

A Student-Centered Environment

The walls of the classroom reflected the depth of student engagement:

• Original Newspapers: One wall showcased student-created newspapers, evidence of their interviewing and storytelling skills.
• Self-Directed Research: Another wall featured colorful 3D representations of five-word research questions guiding independent projects.
• Wordle Art: At the center of the classroom hung a student-created Wordle, encapsulating the spirit of learning and creativity that defined their experience.

The students’ avatars—hand-painted, enlarged versions of their online personas—symbolized their participation in safe, collaborative Web 2.0 environments via the class wiki, Wee Web Wonders.

The Friday Five: Tools for Infinite Thinkers

During our visit, students used a variety of innovative tools to fuel their learning. Here are five standout platforms we saw in action:

1. Pico Cricket – A hands-on tool for integrating coding and creativity.
2. Tikatok – A platform for young writers to create and publish digital books.
3. Tux Paint – An open-source drawing program that encourages artistic expression.
4. Think.com – A collaborative space for critically analyzing the potential of Web 2.0 tools.
5. Wee Web Wonders Wiki – A curated hub for students to safely explore and use Web 2.0 tools for collaborative learning.

Dr. Gerstein’s classroom exemplifies the transformative potential of student-centered, technology-integrated learning—even in the face of limited resources. Her work demonstrates that creativity and innovation are not bound by budgets but fueled by passion and purpose.

Educators, parents, and students alike can draw inspiration from this model. Imagine the impact if more classrooms adopted these practices, using digital tools and hands-on exploration to empower students to take charge of their learning.

What tools or strategies might you introduce to your classroom or community to nurture infinite thinking? Share your ideas, and let’s continue to inspire the next generation of innovators!

The post Friday Five: Inspiring Innovations from Wee Web Wonders appeared first on Infinitethinking.

Ada Lovelace, often regarded as the world’s first computer programmer, wrote the first algorithm intended for a machine—the Analytical Engine invented by Charles Babbage. She also articulated the first conceptual framework for what we now call software. Although she passed away at the young age of 36 in 1852, Ada’s legacy lives on, with the U.S. Department of Defense naming the high-level programming language “Ada” in her honor.

Why Female Role Models in STEM Matter

Despite Ada’s groundbreaking contributions, many of us would struggle to name even ten women leaders in technology. This reflects a larger challenge: women remain underrepresented in technology-related fields. Research shows that visible role models can play a transformative role in inspiring young women to pursue STEM careers.

To bridge this gap, March 24 has been designated Ada Lovelace Day, an international day of blogging to celebrate women excelling in technology. On this day, thousands of bloggers post tributes to women in tech who inspire them, using the tags #AdaLovelaceDay or #ALD09. This global initiative underscores the importance of showcasing the stories and achievements of women in tech, both for students and society at large.

Connecting Students with Role Models

One powerful way to inspire girls in tech is through direct interactions with female role models. Activities like Power Lunches with Women in Tech—a highlight of TechSavvyGirls events—offer students a chance to meet, learn from, and be inspired by women who have forged paths in technology. These lunches leave students with tangible resources like photos, videos, and stories to create webpages about their role models, but more importantly, they leave with advice and encouragement that resonates long after the event.

Educators and schools can also collaborate with organizations like the Society of Women Engineers, AAUW, or the National Girls Collaborative Project, which offer directories, resources, and even mini-grants to support efforts that connect girls with STEM role models. The Anita Borg Foundation’s Tech Bridge Program provides a practical guide for engaging role models to inspire students, packed with strategies to foster meaningful connections.

Bringing Ada Lovelace Day into Your Classroom

Ada Lovelace Day is an opportunity to introduce the achievements of women in STEM to all students—not just girls. Representation matters, and showcasing diverse innovators helps cultivate a richer, more inclusive future in technology. Here are some ideas to get started:

• Create Visual Displays: Share photos and stories of women in tech on school bulletin boards to spark curiosity and conversation.
• Incorporate Stories into Lessons: Assign readings or writing projects based on female tech pioneers, fostering both critical thinking and inspiration.
• Blogging and Tagging: Encourage students to write their own blog posts about women in STEM for Ada Lovelace Day. Teach them how to use tags like #AdaLovelaceDay09 to contribute to the global conversation.
• Explore Collaborative Tools: Use Technorati or other tagging platforms to show how collective knowledge is built, connecting students to a world of innovation.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The stories and images of women in tech are crucial not only for inspiring young girls but for fostering a more diverse and innovative STEM landscape. When students see themselves reflected in the stories of pioneers like Ada Lovelace, they begin to envision their own potential to make a difference.

This Ada Lovelace Day, let’s take action. Whether it’s organizing a classroom activity, sharing stories on social media, or hosting a guest speaker, every effort helps pave the way for a new generation of innovators. Together, we can celebrate the infinite possibilities that emerge when creativity meets opportunity.

What ideas will you bring to life for Ada Lovelace Day? Share your plans in the comments and join us in honoring the women shaping the future of technology!

The post Friday Five: Celebrating Ada Lovelace and Inspiring Women in Tech appeared first on Infinitethinking.

Arthus’s journey began early. At 11, he started experimenting with blogs, built HTML websites at 12, and learned PHP by 13. His enthusiasm for technology isn’t limited to its mechanics—he’s deeply interested in its role in reshaping education. Platforms like Twitter have become key tools for him, enabling a level of connection, dialogue, and exploration that traditional classroom environments often lack.

The Challenge of Integrating Technology in Schools

Arthus believes that schools are failing to embrace technology in meaningful ways. Despite having access to modern tools, many teachers restrict technology use to superficial purposes, discouraging students from exploring its full potential. He asserts that schools teach students to “fear technology,” focusing on control rather than empowerment.

His own school, while well-funded and equipped with updated computers, has yet to implement a one-to-one laptop program—something he strongly advocates for. He contrasts this with his own experience outside school, where he spends hours each day exploring educational tools, collaborating online, and managing his own tech-driven learning network.

Arthus emphasizes that the issue isn’t technology itself but the lack of thoughtful integration. He suggests that teachers, rather than worrying about distractions like social media, should focus on creating engaging lessons that capture students’ attention. “If students aren’t paying attention, maybe it’s time to rethink what’s being taught,” he argues.

Tools, Habits, and Balance

Arthus’s relationship with technology is defined by discipline and intentionality. He avoids video games to prevent addiction and limits the number of people he follows on Twitter to stay focused. Platforms like Google Docs, Zoho Notebook, and Quizlet are part of his daily toolkit, used for collaboration, organization, and study.

Despite his extensive use of digital tools, Arthus maintains a balanced life. He participates in school clubs, values face-to-face conversations, and can step away from the screen when needed. He also manages his own home network and adheres to online safety practices, such as using a pseudonym for privacy.

A Vision for the Future of Education

Arthus believes that the current education system—structured around one teacher delivering lessons to a passive audience—no longer prepares students for college or the workplace. He envisions a shift toward collaborative, technology-driven learning environments where students are empowered to think critically and independently.

His advice to teachers is direct: start engaging with digital tools, beginning with Twitter, which he describes as a “better Google” for its ability to foster real-time dialogue and networking. For Arthus, it’s not about teaching students specific technologies but helping them develop the mindset to adapt to an ever-evolving digital world.

A Call to Action

Arthus’s insights serve as both a challenge and an invitation to educators. He highlights the untapped potential of technology to transform learning, while also reminding us of the gaps that still exist in how schools approach digital tools. The message is clear: to truly prepare students for the future, educators must embrace technology—not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for reimagining the way we teach and learn.

The voice of this 14-year-old is not just a glimpse into the potential of today’s youth but a call for education systems to keep pace with the digital revolution. Are we ready to listen?

The post A 14-Year-Old’s Perspective on Educational Technology appeared first on Infinitethinking.

But while the benefits of blogging are clear, integrating it into an already packed educator’s schedule can feel overwhelming. Starting a blog, building an audience, engaging with other bloggers, and tracking conversations can demand time and energy that many educators simply don’t have. So, is there an alternative—a simpler way to tap into the learning opportunities offered by the “read/write web”?

The answer might lie in a place many wouldn’t initially think of: social networking platforms.

The Rise of Social Networks

As social networking platforms have grown, they’ve opened doors for educators to connect, share, and learn in ways previously unimaginable. Platforms like Facebook, though initially designed for casual connections, have gained traction among educators seeking professional growth.

Facebook’s user-friendly design, lack of intrusive ads, and transparent interactions have made it appealing to a wide audience. For parents, it offers insight into their children’s online lives; for educators, it provides a space to join groups and discuss topics related to teaching and learning. However, while Facebook excels at facilitating casual social interactions, it often falls short when it comes to fostering the kind of in-depth discussions that blogging or professional learning communities enable. Many users report the same frustration: “I’m here. Now what?”

Exploring New Frontiers

The limitations of platforms like Facebook highlight the need for spaces specifically designed to combine the ease of social networking with the depth of professional discourse. Blogging remains one such space, providing a personalized platform for reflection and idea-sharing. However, educators looking for a simpler starting point might consider hybrid solutions—platforms where the boundaries between blogging and networking blur, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth without the steep learning curve.

Whether it’s blogging, social networking, or a combination of both, the tools of the digital age offer educators a chance to engage with peers, rethink their practices, and embrace innovative approaches to teaching.

In the fast-paced world of education, finding time for professional development isn’t easy—but with the right tools, it can be more impactful than ever.

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The Transformative Power of Technology

For Arthus, blogging, coding, and engaging with tools like Twitter and Google Docs have been pivotal to his learning journey. He began exploring web design at 11, moved into HTML and PHP by 13, and now uses technology not just as a hobby but as a tool for intellectual growth and collaboration. He views platforms like Twitter as “a better Google,” facilitating real-time conversations and collaboration that traditional schooling often lacks.

Yet, Arthus is quick to critique how schools approach technology. He believes that schools tend to teach students to “fear technology,” limiting its use to basic, surface-level tasks rather than fostering deep, critical engagement. He notes that even at his well-funded school with frequent hardware upgrades, teachers rarely use the available technology effectively. This underutilization of resources frustrates him and underscores the need for systemic change.

Reimagining Learning Environments

Arthus envisions a learning environment that embraces, rather than restricts, technology. He believes schools should empower students to use laptops and other tools freely while challenging teachers to make lessons engaging enough to hold students’ attention. “If students aren’t paying attention, perhaps it’s time to rethink the lesson,” he says. He argues that technology, instead of being a distraction, often reveals flaws in traditional teaching methods.

Furthermore, Arthus criticizes the outdated “one-task, one-teacher” model of education, calling it increasingly irrelevant in preparing students for college and the workforce. He believes schools should focus not on teaching specific tools but on cultivating the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to navigate a tech-centric future.

A Digital Balance

Despite his deep engagement with technology, Arthus maintains a balanced life. He avoids gaming, preferring structured tasks and purposeful interactions online. His time on the computer is balanced with school clubs, face-to-face conversations, and non-digital activities. Arthus demonstrates impressive self-discipline, setting personal boundaries like not using his computer for gaming and limiting his connections on Twitter to maintain focus.

Interestingly, his thoughtful approach extends to privacy and safety online. While he doesn’t feel at risk on the internet, he chose a pseudonym to protect his identity—a decision his mother supports. This maturity offers a model for how students can use technology responsibly.

Advice for Educators

Arthus has clear advice for teachers: embrace technology, starting with simple tools like Twitter, which he sees as both easy to use and incredibly powerful for fostering professional dialogue. He also urges teachers to move beyond outdated practices and engage with the digital world that shapes students’ lives. His message is clear: “It’s not about learning the tools; it’s about learning the thinking behind them.”

He believes teachers owe it to themselves and their students to stay connected with evolving technologies. Whether through exploring Google Docs, social bookmarking platforms like Del.icio.us, or collaborative tools like Quizlet, educators can better prepare students for the dynamic demands of college and career life.

A Vision for the Future

As Arthus reflects on the current educational system, he remains optimistic about technology’s potential to transform learning. He hopes for a future where schools use technology not as a supplemental tool but as an integral part of teaching and learning—where critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation are the cornerstones of education.

Educators, parents, and students alike can learn from voices like Arthus. His perspective challenges us to think critically about how we prepare today’s learners for tomorrow’s world and to ensure that technology is used not as a crutch, but as a catalyst for meaningful educational change.

The post A 14-Year-Old’s Perspective on Educational Technology: Lessons for the Future appeared first on Infinitethinking.