Happy New Year, dear reader.

                As I look forward to 2012, I am happily reflecting on the wonder of the birth of our first grandchild, Aidan. That miracle happened on December 19th, so Aidan will be three weeks this Monday. His birth has brought many things into focus, but none more so that how rapidly life happens and the ever increasing rate of speed at which things change.

                Aidan’s birth has also re-energized my drive to have a meaningful impact on the US Education system. You see, Aidan will most likely be in the incoming kindergarten class of 2018. While that number seems H-U-G-E right now, it is hurtling towards us at an amazing pace.

                Leaving Aidan alone so he can nap some more, let us turn our attention to students who will be starting school this Fall. The incoming kindergarten class of 2012 will have no memory of a world without the iPhone. That’s right, the iPhone will turn 5 this summer and these children will assume that technology has “always been here”.

                Working with an older group of students, this year’s incoming college Freshman will be younger than texting. Yes, SMS has been around since December of 1992 when the first message “Merry Christmas” was sent.

                OK, so if texting is older than college Freshman and the iPhone is about the same age as this year’s kindergarteners, what will life be like when Aidan starts school, High School, College?

                What will the classroom, or learning in general, look like then? What about the work force? Will he be ready to face those new environments?

                More importantly, will you be ready for whatever he will be facing.

                Spend some time (although not too much) and think about then share your thoughts.

                Gotta run, Tempus Fugit and all that