Week 8 Journal Reflection- iNACOL Teaching Standards and Readings

I really appreciated reading the iNACOL Teaching Standards and Readings. My school district just changed the way we grade to Standards Based Grading, based off of the Common Core Standards. These Teaching Standards are very similar to how Common Core Standards work. The way we grade is a 4 point rubric, just like how the iNACOL Teaching Standards do. Instead of unsatisfactory, somewhat satisfactory, and satisfactory, it is more of if the student actually meets the standard or not. These readings gave me a different perspective with the standards and goals I should consider when I am teaching. Reading these standards also made me reflect on my teaching and instruction. I think it is very important to make sure you are always teaching towards your learning objective or standard. Sometimes it is easy to get sidetracked with other information or activities. I think having standards really help with guidelines and creating lessons.

I do not think that the National Standards for Quality Online Teaching are all that different from good teaching standards in any environment. In fact, I think they are similar in multiple ways. I think as teachers, our main goal is to set our students up for a lifetime of success. We want our students to succeed outside of the classroom environment. I found that Standard B is very important. How can a teacher teach an online class effectively, if they are unable to use the tools available online? They need to be tech "savvy". That same standard does not technically apply in the classroom, however, it is great to know the existing technologies for student learning and engagement.