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

An Interactive Whiteboard is a tool used in the classroom that incorporates the ideas of a whiteboard, a projection screen, and a computer all in one. It allows for the use of audio, images, and videos, and is "interactive" because teachers and students can write on the screen as well.

As with any tool used in education, there are pros and cons.  Some of the cons include: it is difficult to write on; it is expensive (must supply your own data projector, and you may want to get a wireless connection if you have not already done so); and it is not as convenient as it seems because whoever is writing still needs to walk back and forth between the smart board and the keyboard. The pros, however, include: the ability to control any application through the touch board; there are a variety of colors of pens that are available to use; handwriting can be converted into text; and it is interactive, where students and teachers can use the screen in a variety of ways to present information.

Personally, I think the use of an interactive whiteboard in the classroom would be very useful. I wouldn't, however, want to replace other methods of teaching with only the whiteboard. I think that combined with a variety of methods, the white board would be more effective than when relied on as the main method of teaching alone.


 http://www.prometheanworld.com/server.php?show=nav.15
http://ezinearticles.com/?SMART-Board---Pros-and-Cons-of-Using-a-Digital,-Interactive-Whiteboard-%28In-the-Classroom%29&id=1399407

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

Based on NETS for teachers, I still have a lot to improve on in regards to skills of using technology in the classroom. It require more creativity than I ever though possible, because the possibilities with technology really are quite endless. Using technology in the classroom is such a wonderful tool that benefits everyone involved in education, including teachers, parents, and students. I definitely support using technology in the classroom, so NETS for teachers is a great tool to get me started in thinking of ways that technology can be incorporated most effectively.

http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers.aspx

NETS for Students

The NETS for students is a foundation that focuses on advancing digital-age learning by using technology and showing how beneficial it can be to students.It helps students "prepare to work, live, and contribute to the social and civic fabric of their communities." Through the idea that technological skills will be in high demand in the near future, NETS for students sets a standard for what students should know and how they can increase and incorporate their skills in technology. It helps build their creativity and innovation skills, problem solving and decision-making skills, research and communication skills, and will help students know how to use technology most effectively.

http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students.aspx

Motivation in the Classroom

Motivation is very closely linked to student success in the classroom. When they are motivated, they put in the effort and really try to succeed, seeing that they have goals that are worth working towards. To help keep students motivated, the curriculum needs to be weaved with content that they can relate to, or presented in a way that will keep them engaged. Using technology is a great way to keep students engaged. Because it is something that is very prevalent in our culture, students are able to link their daily lives with their academics in a positive, fun way. Giving students options is also important in keeping them motivated. As Howard Gardner has proven with his theory of multiple intelligences, students individually have different of ways in which they best understand and present information. Incorporating each student's learning styles is key in providing each student with the opportunity for success. Another way to keep students motivated is to offer them variety in the curriculum. Similar to incorporating all learning styles, making sure they constantly have new ideas and techniques being brought to the table is very important in keeping them interested, and therefore more motivated to keep doing the work.

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

I think there should be more emphasis placed on 21st Century Skills than there currently is because students should be prepared for their future in all aspects of their life, not just confined to academics. Both foundations and programs want students to feel prepared, but Core Knowledge is more focused on academics, while 21st Century has a good combination of both. Students should be well-equipped with a variety of skills that will help them achieve overall success in life.

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

Both 21st Century Learning and Core Knowledge have the goal to help better educate our students in working towards better preparing them for the future. They both support building a wide variety of skills in a variety of subject areas that can be applied towards both their lives and their academics.


http://www.coreknowledge.org/
http://www.p21.org/

Core Knowledge

Core Knowledge is a foundation with the philosophy that knowledge builds upon knowledge. Their goals for education include better reading comprehension and strong critical thinking skills, both of which can help a student learn even more once they understand the basics. Core Knowledge publishes books and other materials that are intended to help students and teachers stay on the right track for success by outlining a wide variety of curriculum.

http://www.coreknowledge.org/learn-about-us

Partnership for 21st Century Learning

The partnership for 21st Century Skills is a national organization that makes an approach to help students with preparation of life skills for their future. It focuses on helping students with their critical thinking and problem solving skills, communication, collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Overall, they will develop learning and innovation skills, life and career skills, and information, media, and technology skills that are necessary for the 21st century. In strengthening these skills, this partnership hopes for a solid education system that provides students a better opportunity for success.

http://www.p21.org/
http://www.p21.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=254&Itemid=119

Fun Online Games For Students

This a strategy game that will help build your student's problem solving skills using logic and reason.
http://setgame.com/set/puzzle_frame.htm

This website incorporates many types of math, linked into categories by word problems, problems that use logic, etc.  It is a fun site, easy to use, and will help your students learn vital math skills!
 http://www.mathplayground.com/games.html

Blogs in the Classroom

Incorporating a blog into the classroom is such a great way to really create and build a community with your students. Bringing it outside the classroom and into the world of technology allows them to feel like they are a part of something. It also allows the opportunity to display their work, show pictures of activities done in the classroom, and give them something to be proud of, especially when the students are involved in creating and editing the blog as well. With a blog, you can share and collaborate with new information, and it allows the students to stay and feel connected with each other outside of school. It can enhance their creativity and continue to foster a joy for reading, writing, and learning. It can be used to post assignments, share questions, and learn more about each other. And beyond your own classroom, it can share a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for other classrooms as well. A classroom blog helps create a positive learning environment, and it shows the students that the possibilities are endless.