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The Times They Are A-Changing, But Not in That Classroom


Come mothers and fathers, 

Throughout the land
And don’t criticize
What you can’t understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is rapidly agin’
Please get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin’
- Bob Dylan


 My daughter is dual enrolled in high school and college. Today was her first day of the Spring term for her college class. I'm jealous, because she chose "History of Rock Music" for her history elective. To spend time learning about Jimmy Plant, Ringo Starr, and Janis Joplin instead of reading the Louisiana Purchase agreement? Heck yea, sign me up!

In my mind, I pictured her walking in to an eclectic environment hosted by an aging wannabe rock star, or perhaps even Jack Black. I expected to walk home to a daughter spouting off about hidden messages in lyrics, or sharing about the seedy underworld of the British rock movement. Or perhaps we'd argue if the Beatles had a larger influence on American culture than Elvis or Jimmy Hendrix. I wanted to spend the evening dusting off my record player and sharing Led Zeppelin, relishing in the sound the needle makes as it swoosh, swoosh, swooshes across the record. But alas, that is not how the day transpired.

Instead, this happened:

I know I shouldn't be surprised, but I still have to ask how long we are going to fight against technology. And in doing so, fight against the learning needs of today's students? In the words of Bob Dylan, "The Times They Are A-Changing:"

Come gather ’round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You’ll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you is worth savin’
Then you better start swimmin’ or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin’





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