9) What does research say about using Interactive Whiteboards? What are the pros and cons? Would you want to have one in your classroom?

a. The Interactive Whiteboard provides students to access a professor’s lecture at any time. If a student missed class, if a student is struggling in the class and needs to hear the material several times, or if the student would later like to reference the lecture for any reason. The Interactive Whiteboards also have built in maps that can be used for geography lessons, interactive websites to support students’ learning, diagrams can be made easily, students can be taught how to surf the web, and many more beneficial traits.
b. Some disadvantages with the Interactive Whiteboards include: cost, maintenance, confusion if multiple data are on the board and disruption in the classroom if students misuse the boards.
c. If I had access to an interactive whiteboard in my classroom I would definitely use it. Its benefits far outweigh its disadvantages in my opinion. The boards have so much diversity and can really benefit the students.
d. http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/tutorials/whiteboards.html
e. http://www.newman.ac.uk/Students_Websites/~r.hinett/intwhiteboard3.htm

How does your current skill set compare to the NETS for teachers?

a. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity: I am a big advocate of creativity in the classroom. Without imagination and creativity, students would lack the interest, and therefore the motivation, to succeed in the classroom.
b. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments: I believe that the world has transformed and will continue to transform rapidly with the advancements made in technology. It is important to prepare students be able to keep up and adapt with the constant changes.
c. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning: I would consider my computer/technological skills to be adequate. I know that I am not the most tech savvy person, but I hope to improve my skills in order to better prepare my students.
d. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility: I try to keep up technological advancements, but intend to make it my goal to be better informed on any current events and/or issues affecting the technology world.
e. http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers/nets-for-teachers-2008.aspx

What are the NETS for students?

a. The NETS (National Educational Technology Standards) are designed to ensure that students are prepared to enter a world filled with technological advancements. The standards require the students to engage in higher-order-thinking skills such as: demonstrating creativity and innovation, communicating and collaborating, conducting research and using information, thinking critically, solving problems, and making decisions, and using technology effectively and productively.
b. http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students.aspx

6) How does motivation tie in to student success in the classroom? Give 3 examples of strategies to motivate today's students.

a. Motivation is essential to students’ success in the classroom. With lack of motivation, the students will fail to work towards their goals.
i. In order for teachers to motivate their students, they must show a sincere interest in teaching the students. If teachers are excited about the material, the students will feed into that excitement.
ii. Teachers should encourage their students with positive feedback. This will give students confidence that they can succeed, which will, in turn, motivate the students.
iii. Material reinforcement will always motivate students. Teachers should provide students of examples of what they can achieve in their lives. For example, show students an example of a nice house, luxurious vacations, luxury cars, etc. Students will be motivated to work hard so that they can one day enjoy these extravagant things.
b. http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/affective/motivation.html

4) OPINION: Do we need more or less emphasis of either Core Knowledge or 21st Century Learning Skills? How would we go about it?

a. I think that both Core Knowledge and 21st century Learning Skills are necessary to create a well-rounded student. However, I think that most schools tend to over emphasize Core Knowledge and neglect to reinforce the 21st century Learning Skills. In these times, creativity and innovation are crucial elements to anyone’s success. Teachers need to push their students to engage in their imaginations more and provide more creative lessons in the classroom.

How does current education practice apply both 21st Century Learning Skills and Core Knowledge?

a. Modern educational practices apply the 21st Century Learning Skills in the classroom by focusing on student outcomes (a blending of specific skills, content knowledge, expertise and literacies) with innovative support systems to help students acquire the multi-dimensional abilities necessary for them to obtain in order for them to be successful in the 21st century. Core Knowledge is applied in classrooms by teachers who provide their students with basic knowledge. After students have mastered that knowledge, they are able to expand and build on top of that knowledge,
b. http://www.p21.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=254&Itemid=120
c. http://www.coreknowledge.org/what-we-do

2) What is Core Knowledge and how does it apply to education theory?

a. Core Knowledge is the belief that knowledge builds upon knowledge. “The more you know, the more you are able to learn.” The program attempts to provide students with the foundational knowledge needed for students to be able to excel in the classroom.
b. http://www.coreknowledge.org/learn-about-us