“Oh, The Places You’ll Go” is one of the most popular books by Dr. Seuss. Where do you hope education technology will go in 2017? What aspects of curriculum or community might get us there? (Dartmouth College)

When EdSurge asked me for some year-end thoughts about education technology in the form of a college application essay, I was happy to contribute. And when I saw that one of the essay options was about "Oh, The Places You’ll Go," I was inspired to channel my inner Seuss. In the spirit of holiday fun, I hope you’ll enjoy this edtech-inspired take on a classic:

What are my hopes for edtech next year? EdSurge asked me to make them all clear. “Write The Places You’ll Go for the future of technology”, To comply, I begin with this: “Dr. Seuss, you have my apology!”

Now, I believe improving our kids’ education is our single most critical goal as a nation. So here, in a few lines of Seuss and Sesame-like fun are some thoughts about how we can get the job done.

There’s a startling contrast between rich and poor…. Opportunity’s not knocking on EVERY door Progress has been made—this is certainly true But there remains so very much, MUCH more to do.

Low income kids are still falling behind We need to help grow everyone’s mind We can’t have some lag their affluent peers With a knowledge gap growing and lasting for years.

Sesame has a mission, to help kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder—and so we try harder. We work to give each kid an excellent shot to use all of the talents (s)he’s inherently got.

Way back when we first launched Sesame Street Television was the cutting edge educational feat And TV is still great, but today we can reach kids with new digital ways that can teach.

We must take up the challenge, answer the call To level the playing field, once and for all. Inequities aren’t solved by mere evolution. The time is ripe now for a NEW revolution.

Edtech is one way to bridge gaps and advance; Life-changing for students if we give it a chance. Tech offers great prospects and rich possibility, To children all ages and every ability.

Tech tools might be able to help teachers screen for dyslexia, dysgraphia, other differences seen. Catching challenges early helps intervention and can boost self-esteem, reduce stigma and tension.

Meeting each child’s needs—that’s personalized learning. It’s the great equalizer: the future we’re earning. It’s key to start early—Pre-school is ideal— when the brain grows most rapidly, the gains will be real.

Let’s build the best platforms for adaptive instruction! For confident writers! For coders! (All under construction.) Dream big! Of public classrooms where it will only seem prudent to have on-demand tutors for all of our students.

And (like our work with Watson) Artificial Intelligence can help kids learn with a certain tech elegance. With virtual reality, kids travel the world. King Tut’s tomb! The Sahara! New vistas unfurl.

So, go forth and create. Invent your inventions! Some will win big—surpass your intentions. But others will fall right off of the track. Don’t be blue. That’s called progress: 2 forward; 1 back.

But—parents, teachers, creators—if all of us try With the right tools and breakthroughs our children will fly! It can surely be done. Maybe not in one year… But recent developments show reason for cheer.

Edtech is the key to a much brighter world with access that’s equal And provides educational opportunity for each nation’s people We just need to keep at it ’til this race is finally won. See you out there helping kids… Happy New Year, everyone!

Jeffrey Dunn is President and CEO of Sesame Workshop