Bee-ing Present in an Ever-evolving World

Over the past several years, education has been rapidly transformed by the internet, smartphones, and most recently, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) — for both better and worse. With much of the world’s collective knowledge now at our fingertips, students no longer have to rely on teachers or textbooks for information. Google knows the major dates and figures of the Revolutionary War; a quick YouTube search will yield multiple math teachers walking students through the quadratic equation, and AI can produce well-researched essays in seconds on almost any topic. I recall being a young teacher, thrilled to scour bookstores in Spain to find just the right reading and listening materials for my students.

Now there are an almost infinite number of resources available with a couple of clicks. We have moved beyond the age of memorization and content acquisition and entered an era where skills, creativity, application, and relationships (characteristics deeply reflected in the Seven Hills values) need to be at the center of what we do in teaching and learning. This shift requires effort — from teachers, parents, and students alike — to continually adapt and ensure we’re steering in the right direction.

In his New York Times bestselling book, “Drive,” Daniel Pink discusses the three critical elements that motivate people: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. When we have choices in what we do and how we do it, when we can apply our skills to achieve meaningful growth, and when we understand why our learning and actions matter, we unlock the internal motivation that leads to amazing accomplishments — ones that only humans can do. We begin to uncover some of the “why” of schools in the 21st century.

Schools are in the unique position to create communities in which learners can experiment, fail, adjust, learn, and grow together, building resiliency and the skills necessary for a world we are just beginning to imagine. The journey is a dynamic and exhilarating one, filled with highs and lows, laughter and tears, and everything in between.

This past August, our Upper School introduced a new catch phrase, “Bee Present.” This quest, in part, responds to research on the harmful effects of cellphones in schools and the immediate benefits of controlling the use of non-academic personal technology have been remarkable. In just six weeks, we’ve seen students engaging inside and outside of classrooms in ways that we haven’t seen in schools since before COVID. The library is abuzz with conversations, students are playing on the fields and courts during lunch and free time, every chessboard is in use during club time, student leaders are creating new opportunities for all to be involved, and teachers and students are engaging around all sorts of topics in every corner of the building. While we still strongly embrace the proper use of evolving technology, it has returned to being a collective tool rather than an isolating trap.

However, being present is much more than simply eliminating phones or adding new activities. To be present is to be aware of the changing world and open to new ideas. It means taking risks, starting conversations with unfamiliar faces, exploring diverse perspectives, and appreciating differences. It’s about stepping out of your comfort into the zone of proximal development — that thin space between the learning and panic zones where real learning happens. It’s about focusing on creation over consumption, connection over collection. It’s about prioritizing the human race over the space race, rat race, technology race, or even college race. Being present means embracing the now while learning from the past and looking forward to the future.

Henry David Thoreau presciently stated it this way in “Walden” (1854): “You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.” Today is the day to take a new risk, discover a new talent, strengthen a relationship, or overcome an obstacle.

As we continue through the school year, I invite everyone to focus on being a bit more present in our lives. Put down the phone and find something that brings you joy — something that drives you. Seek autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Take risks. Nurture relationships. Step out of your comfort zone and rediscover your connection to others. The world is waiting for us!