Dear Learners,

It’s your first day of 5th grade. And you share it with about 30 other kids. You might think we cram a bunch of the same-aged kids in a classroom together because it’s more efficient. But really it’s because learning happens in a community.

I’ll try to do most of the teaching, but every person in here has something to teach you. And you have something to teach every person (especially me). And the only way we can do it is if we’re a community.

Some people are hopeful that technology will completely change how we learn. I’m a bit more skeptical. I’ve spent my entire life in schools, and I’ve seen that learning is a very complex process. And a thoroughly human one.

Sincerely,

Mr. Curt