Meet today’s active Learner

Do you recognize me?

Very soon, I will be your student.

But I will not always sit in your classroom.

I will not take out a pencil.

Or open a textbook.

You grew up with books.

I read from a laptop.

An iPad.

A smartphone.

I use a keyboard more than a pen.

I’m a “digital native.” An active learner.

Why carry just a textbook when my iPad connects me to the world?

I want to know things all the time. And right away.

Maybe the best price for cool shoes.

Or where to hike the Himalayas.

To learn, I look online.

Because the classroom isn’t enough for me.

Not when I can see faces, hear voices,

and chat with people on the other side of the world.

I want to learn about Chinese history

from someone in Beijing.

My school has to keep up with me.

Not the other way around.

I have more and more choices.

When you were my age, no one had heard of a charter school.

No one could imagine a virtual school.

But it’s projected that by 2019, half of all high school courses will take place online.

I use

mobile devices to connect

with friends, classmates, and teachers. And when I’m more connected, I’m more interested.

I don’t buy music at a store. Or movies, or books.

I get them instantly, online.

And when they excite me,

I share with friends.

That’s how I want my education to be.

I need a degree.

Even more than my parents.

I know it and so do my friends.

But will I be prepared?

Public grade schools are under huge budget pressures.

And traditional college is increasingly unaffordable.I don’t want crushing debt.

If I can Google the best choice for cool shoes, rest assured I’ll find the best choice of education.

Like two-year institutions. And online courses. Where students like me

have grown to be 6 million strong.

And when I’m older, I want to keep learning.

Do you recognize me?

Very soon I will be changing the world. But I need you.

If you’re ready to help me,

I’ll find you.

But it’s your challenge to keep up with me.

I’m a “digital native.” An active learner.

Listen to me.

Help me.

Together we can create the future.

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