What does it mean to be literate as a learner in the 21st century classroom?  I think we have probably heard this asked and thought this through about a million times since we first heard rumblings of the Common Core.  Years ago, when education looked like desks in straight rows and a teacher who held the majority of knowledge on her given subject or grade, literate meant reader.  Someone who could proficiently read and write, one who could articulate their thoughts well enough to work in a family business or a trade job was typically proficient.  But this is no longer the case.  Literate for the modern day learner means reading to find information and the ability to discern whether or not the information we find is valid.  It means becoming a global citizen who can publish and evaluate works of literature as well as pieces of informational text.  The expectations upon educators through the lens of the Common Core is now to empower students through the use of technology-though this seems like an easy task with iPads and Apps at easy disposal for most schools, it is a little more complicated.  On the plus side, for perhaps the first time in formal education settings, there is an expectation to utilize technology.  For teachers who are afraid to step away from the dry erase markers, this pushes them into a new normal.  My fear for them, however, is that a SmartBoard will simply be a high dollar projection screen and internet use will become so guarded that no authentic learning takes place.  Somewhere between the standards’ expectations, the new teacher appraisal instrument and preparing students to be college and career ready, we must find a balance.  In order for technology to be truly empowering for students we as educators must continue to learn.  We must seek out the new and different, the exciting and industrious, the useful and the necessary and the give students the keys for the journey and step back as they embark.