Digital and Standards Based Classroom, Chapter 2

This chapter encompasses the core learning standards that teachers are to adhere to within their classrooms. I believe that these standards are an important guideline for teachers to use to keep their units on track. In my opinion, it is probably best to shoot for standards beyond what would be traditionally expected at each age group. This way the students are challenged and held to a higher level of competence, which I believe will in turn serve to boost their confidence if they can tell I greatly believe in their ability to master content. The core standards cover a wide array of topics in social studies, including tracking individual development. I believe that we can turn back to Loewen's argument that history textbooks create too many false heroes when we tackle this standard. By creating heroes that are actually normal people- by telling the whole story of the past- students can look at themselves as individuals with the potential for great, world-changing success. Other standards that are laid out include the necessity to create competent American citizens. I believe it is important to instill a certain degree of nationalism in our students and teach them how they can become involved in our government because a sense of pride will help create a future of citizens who can work to make a positive impact in our nation as well as the world. Indeed- global connections are another thing to keep in mind when we are teaching our students. The world is much flatter than it used to be, and it is important for students to realize the impact that technology has had on bringing the world's population far closer together. I think that a great way to touch on this core goal is to create an activity that bridges a classroom of students in America to a classroom of students across the globe. By utilizing media such as Skype, the two classes can communicate and work on a collaborated unit from across the sea. This would truly open student's eyes to new worlds, as well as building tolerance for people different than us and an expanded curiosity towards international populations.

Sites like this one can help teachers connect with other classrooms to open the door to expanded learning possibilities for their students:
Skype in Schools

This chapter also offers an impressive selection of lesson plans that target each of the core standards. Keeping an archive of links and ideas like this will definitely be a great idea for me in my future classroom, so that I always have something new to pull out for my students to keep class interesting. By giving students research projects that start from web pages, they will be allowed to utilize their skills with technology as well as putting them in charge of their own education by researching- whether it be a web quest, a paper, or a simple reflection.

Overall, I believe that the standards set are good ones that work to help students develop into well-rounded individuals. It is the teacher's responsibility to fit the standards into curriculum while still ensure diverse lessons that capture the imagination of students. In the history classroom, this is a daunting task as we are combating the stereotype of being the boring subject- but with passion and time, teachers can definitely bring history up into the list of favorite classes in school.