Dear Colleagues,

Teachers, we are lifelong learners. Opting out is not an option for our students, so then why would it ever be appropriate for us to accept that of ourselves? We hone our craft by developing our skills, learning new tools and sharing our journey with our students and each other. Today, a new development in technology has allowed us to engage and motivate our students like nothing before. Of course, I am speaking of the slide rule.

Teachers, we are students of the past and present. Our schooling experience prepared us for a future that will become obsolete to our students. By incorporating calculators into our classroom, we are remaining current to the realities of modern society while engaging with our students in authentic ways. This is inherently motivating for our students and prepares them for the realities for their future.

Developing lifelong learners is a priority in education. So then why do we, as educators, often feel exempt when new technologies, such as pencils, intimidate us? We chose what is familiar as opposed to taking a risk and learning something that could improve our practice. Through the struggle of being uncomfortable during learning, making mistakes and overcoming the physiological reactions, we develop as learners and practitioners. Protractors should not be feared!

A common reason for this discrepancy is that our learners have grown up with ditto machines embedded into their everyday lives. It appears that it comes naturally to this generation and incorporating mobile devices could undermine the integrity of our programs. Let's be honest, using social media in your classroom involves a level of risk. Today, we do not need to be experts in the most recent developments in learning. We do need to leverage the tools our students bring to school in their backpacks and pockets. Seek out support, share your experiences and engage in critical discussions with your personal and professional networks, whether it is within your individual schools, systems, or other learning spaces.

Learning can take place with our students, from our students, and at times, for our students. Dig in! Be hopeful and positive. Be a model of bravery and curiosity for your students. Embrace the challenge and share your story so we learn from our experience with insert learning tool here. Best wishes on your learning journey!

Your partner in education and learning,

Kim Gill