To the editor:

In today’s schools, we learn methods of memorization essential for succeeding on tests, The next week, month or even year after the test, the neuron connections in our brains begin to fade without focus or use. Every day, the Internet and smartphones are becoming a major reference for our weak neuron connections (aka memory). In just a matter of decades, computers will be installed in our glasses or even contact lenses, eliminating the need for memorization.

When this time comes, we must ask ourselves, are we giving our youth the right tools to succeed in the 21st century of technology? I believe the answer is no. We focus so little on what will be important in upcoming decades. You might ask, what is important? The answer to this question is very simple: imagination and creativity. No supercomputer or artificial intelligence machine will ever master imagination to the degree of humans. Not anytime soon, anyway.

Our high schools (Lawrence High and Free State) require two fine arts credits. This is embarrassing, and the rest of the country isn’t doing much if any better. Imagination and creativity are going to be the key to jobs in the near future, and I do mean near future. By 2050 we could have the majority or jobs taken over by robots, a very scary thought. Just remember that we humans have the ability of creativity and imagination. Now is the time to start to reshape our learning system. Let’s start here, right in Lawrence, Kansas. We can start a movement.