I have witnessed the “libraries are a relic of the past” sentiment for 30+ years, so I’m a bit skeptical when a technologist comes in with bold predictions about the future without understanding how librarians are already two steps ahead. Sorry, but the library is more relevant than ever, especially in an age of AI.

love talking to people who are passionate about different educational strategies, practices, and frameworks. I love seeing people get passionate about different approaches that can help students learn at a deeper level. However, one of my favorite questions to ask different experts is, "What are the limitations, nuances, and exceptions to what you promote?" For example, I might be opposed to homework. However, I might see the value in making homework an optional extracurricular activity or encouraging students to finish work at home if they wasted time in class. I might generally be opposed to standardized testing but I might be fine with students taking a single reading and math test once a year to provide general data at a district or state level as long as it is not tied to teacher salaries or evaluations. Right now, I'm glad to see people get on board with phonics but I also hope that they see the need for background knowledge, language support (especially grammar for multilingual students), and vocabulary. My favorite SOR advocates are the ones who take the time to listen and who are more interested in building than burning bridges. If you've followed me for awhile, you'll know I love project-based learning. But you'll also know that I believe it should be structured with clear benchmarks and guideposts to reduce cognitive load. It should include scaffolds and supports for neurodiverse and multilingual students. I believe in integrating direction instruction into the project. I also don't think that all learning should be PBL. There's a time for systematic approaches with plenty of skill practice. I'm a huge fan of student-centered learning and empowerment. I believe there's power in helping students grow self-directed. But I also realize this often involves taking a Gradual Release of Responsibility approach. I see value in including compliance and engagement rather than just empowerment in the learning. It's nuanced. What I love about the limitations question is that it helps us see the nuances in almost any instructional strategy, learning program, or educational policy. It helps us connect these ideas to our own beliefs and values and to the strategies we are already doing that work. It helps us avoid the pitfalls of finding the latest fad or getting sucked into the educational "wars," such as the math wars or reading wars.