Image from Above - NASA
Do not miss the opportunity to view the video from the link posted at the bottom of this article post. This is a shortened post so that you may take the time to view what is a truly inspirational message.
It is the mission of this Blog to bring you content, ideas, and practical ideas to enhance 21st Century Skills and educational transformation using technology. It is equally important to provide readers with content for reflection, motivation, and encouragement. As we encounter a new school year I want to dedicate this posting to educational possibilities. Our educational future involves everyone including community stakeholders, educators, and students. Recently I came a across a video produced by country music singer and songwriter Brad Paisley entitled Welcome to the Future. When I first heard the lyrics I felt they provided a thought provoking opportunity for educators . Upon viewing the video it came apparent to me that the message is an inspiration to 21st Century Education. It reflects transformation, progress, diversity, technology, universal accomplishment, and hope. I know there have been a wide range of videos that can be found emphasizing the need to think different, engage the digital native, transform education, think outside the box, be prepared for the stopped escalator, and question what we know about global education. This video however is the most powerful video I have come across in recent years. I know you will feel the same way and I applaud singer and song writer Brad Paisley for a positive message that resonates an enthusiasm for the future, and the promise that education can bring. Be sure to reflect on the well written lyrics as you encounter this awesome and powerful digital story. Please check out the link below! Let me know what you think!
Once again, welcome to the new school year and our future!
Link – Welcome To The Future by – Brad Paisley
Update – I have created a student activity sheet that goes with this video. It is a great activity that allows students to investigate a video for meaning. I have tried to include a process that facilitates a collaborative effort at investigating lyrics, video, and plot. It also asks students to write an individual paragraph stating the meaning. A final suggestion entails having the students feed their paragraph into Wordle. If you try it please let me know how it goes. It can be found at my 21centuryedtech wiki at the bottom of the Welcome To The Future Post as a Word Document.
21 st Century Educational Technology and Learning 
this site is truly amazing and fasinating
Hi. I am from WV, along with Brad Paisley, so I love his music. I currently live in NC, and my husband works across from SAS. So your blogs have really touched me. I am a kindergarten teacher pursuing an IT Masters. I have forwarded your blog to my principal to pass on to our faculty and staff. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the kind words. I feel Brad Paisley does have a gift for coming up with awesome words. Obviously a product of a fantastic education system. I am anxious to learn more about SAS as time goes by and appreciated both your comment and the one from the company president in that posting! Best wishes with your Masters, you are studying a field that will have a great impact on education. Thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing from you in the future!
-Mike