Teachers want children to be able to use new technologies, but we don’t know how to teach them to use devices, applications, and programs that haven’t yet been invented. So we must teach them the habits that will allow them to learn how to use new technologies quickly and confidently. We recognize that in this age of unlimited information, all learners need to be able to recognize reliable information and organize that so it can be found again (the new buzz word for this is “curating” information). We recognize that all learners must be good citizens, whether in face-to-face reality or in virtual reality, using good manners and demonstrating good character. Finally, we recognize that learners need to be able to use technology to create effective ways of sharing their ideas. Now that it is possible to use sound, image (both still and moving), as well as text, not to mention links to others’ work, tremendously powerful created content is within each learner’s reach.

The habits learners must have in order to tackle our new world are these:

1. Don’t believe everything you read.
2. Be fair, honest, and polite.
3. Ask for help.
4. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
5. Ask questions.
6. Work hard.
7. Write clearly.

Those are habits teachers know how to teach students. Teachers, even though you do not know all the latest technologies, you DO know what is important. Jump into using new technologies with both feet, teaming up with your students to create presentations never before possible. Do not despair that emerging technologies keep changing the game; change IS the game.