Cramberry

Cramberry is a website where you can find and create flash cards.  This is a great website for learning key vocabulary and studying for tests.  This website is great for all ages!  Below is a link to the flashcards I created for learning to add and subtract.  Enjoy!


http://cramberry.net/sets/63828-math

Word Search!

California History

O H A L V P R P X L I I P S M 
P J D N G M R X E P T L S A X 
L W G B Y S T E K G Y B G O Z 
K C X U L Z L M S J J E D B I 
O M I S S I O N S I L X J L F 
H S A M U H C H O L D Y E A Q 
A J Y M K Q V V A N E I Z B L 
V Z P R C S E N E S A M O K P 
B V P W A E O D A Z M S J Y K 
I T E O B I L L N H B X X Q D 
O T C T R P Y A B U I H Y Y P 
R M I U I H E F R E G N X O Z 
S F P C L D X A S L U H X D K 
V A T S L P Z L C L Z P G R W 
G V U C O B F S K K S U P P D 

BALBOA
CABRILLO
CHUMASH
DEANZA
MAGELLAN
MISSIONS
PRESIDIO
PUEBLOS

*This word search comes from the website, PuzzleMaker.com.  On the website you can create word searches, crosswords, and other games!

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

Interactive Whiteboards is a new technology that is emerging in many classrooms.  It gives the students a more hands on approach and a new way of learning.  However there are some advantages and potential drawbacks.

            Advantages:

                        -Accommodates different learning styles.

                        -Interactive

                        -Great for all grade levels and special needs students

                        -Easy to use

            Disadvantages

                        -Initially hard to figure out the board(teachers).

                        -Technical problems

                        -Not enough research to prove if board is effective.

I would definitely want in an interactive whiteboard in my classroom.  If that whiteboard will get one more student engaged in the material, then the board is definitely worth having.

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

As a person growing up in the digital age I feel like I can use technology very well.  The trouble I have is finding all of the different resources a teacher can use to integrate technology into the classroom.  Taking a class that teaches teachers how to integrate technology in the classroom has been very useful.  

7) What are the NETS for students?

NETS are standards that integrate technology into education so that students are prepared to live in this emerging global society.  Some areas the standards cover are:            

-Demonstrate creativity and innovation

-Communicate and collaborate

-Conduct research and use information

-Think critically, solve problems, and make decisions

-Use technology effectively and productively

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

Motivation is a huge factor for learning.  Some students are just born with high motivation and others have to work for it.  One strategy for motivation is to find what the student excels in.  In most cases, people will want to continue and succeed in something they are good at.

5) How does the US compare to other like-minded countries in our education system? What are our strengths and/or weakness?

We are behind compared to other western countries.  Asian countries like Japan, China, and Singapore out perform the United States in Math and Sciences.  Some of our strengths as a country is that we do not want to leave any student behind, and a child has time to decide their futures.  In Asian countries, where students go to college is decided when they are in “preschool.”  A weaknesses in U.S. education is that we don’t value teachers as opposed to other western countries. 

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

We need more emphasis in Core Knowledge and 21^st Century Learning Skills.  Our future leaders need to know how to compete in a global market place.  Our leaders need to be knowledgeable and accepting of other peoples cultures, religions, and backgrounds.  Everyone should have access to the same learning materials between the schools.

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

New legislation from President Obama (Race to the Top) demands this learning to compete with the global economy.  He emphasizes for a bigger push in technology and sciences.  

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

Core Knowledge is a foundation who’s motto is “educational excellence and equity for all children.” To make their mission possible the foundation offers detailed help and materials to schools, teachers and parents; and effective advocacy grounded in scientific research to citizens and policy makers. They believe that “every person in a diverse democratic society deserves equal access to the common knowledge base that draws together its people, while recognizing our differing traditions and contributions.” They believe that offering universal access to collected knowledge is the main duty of schooling, critical to literacy, and to the closing of the achievement gap between ethnic and racial groups. They also believe that collected knowledge, a shared narrative, and shared ideals of liberty and tolerance are vital ingredients for effective citizenship and for the continuation of our democratic institutions.

1) What are the learning outcomes established by the Partnership for 21st Century Learning?

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is a national organization that supports 21st century readiness for all students.  The United States continues to compete in a global economy that calls for innovation. Partnership for 21st Century Skills provide tools and funds to help the U.S. education system keep up with the global marketplace. They strive for critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation.   The four learning outcomes are:

1.           Mastery of core subjects and 21^st century themes such as:

a.          Global awareness

b.         Financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy

c.          Civic literacy

d.        Health literacy

e.          Environmental literacy

2.          Learning and Innovation Skills

3.          Information, Media, and Technology Skills

4.        Life and Career Skills