Blog entry #4:

  In my mind... ISTE standard #1 is the most important standard for teachers. To "facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity" is at the forefront of learning and growing in all areas. In order for students to advance in their knowledge, and bring out their own thinking and ideas into the subject. Anyone can access knowledge, from books, the Internet, etc.  True student learning is really apparent when a student is able to make her/his own discoveries and add knowledge to the pool. 
   In order to promote the creativity that is needed in the classroom to foster this type of learning and growth, I emphasize critical thinking skills in all of our discussions and classwork. I think one important aspect of this is showing that there is rarely ever just ONE answer to a question/problem. There are many ways of thinking, and many ways to show your thinking. Acceptance of these many different ways of thinking, and encouraging students to evaluate and share their own thinking, is the most important way to encourage creative thinking and innovation, which is the key to moving forward in our technologically advanced world today.