Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through Technology - Week 8 Reflection

Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through Technology has helped me research different technologies that will help differentiate instruction in the classroom.

All About the UDL
I now have a better understanding of universal design for learning and the research behind it, including the what, how, and why of learning. If we understand these three aspects, we can better reach each student we have in class. The principles designated to UDL, representation, action and expression, and engagement, promotes options, looking at what interests each student, and planning so that each student can reach goals. The CAST website offers great resources that will allow for easy technology integration with focus on UDL and DI. Some programs that I have become familiar with and think would work well in an elementary classroom would be the UDL Book Builder, Wiggle Works, and the UDL Lesson Builder for teachers. It is my goal to begin integrating and using these programs into weekly lessons so that students have more opportunity to take hold of their learning.

Don’t Forget About DI
Carol Ann Tomlinson said, “The idea of differentiating instruction is an approach to teaching that advocates active planning for and attention to student differences in classrooms, in the context of high quality curriculums.” DI takes time, planning, and preparation on both the teacher and the student’s part. Students have to be willing to take several surveys to determine learning styles and preferred multiple intelligences. Teachers have to be willing to take the time to administer and go over the results. However, the end result will be worth the time put in. Knowing which way each student learns best will make for a much smoother year ahead because you now know how to plan and which options to give students when having them complete assignments. Technology integration will help students because it usually hits more than one learning style and students are engaged when able to try something new. Whether it is blogging, creating a Prezi presentation, or working with iPods, students will be able to make choices throughout the process as to how they would like their product to be completed.

Adjustments
• Begin research DI and UDL more frequently to stay up-to-date on the latest news and resources.
• Begin using new programs with students such as Prezi, Wiggle Works, and Book Builder.
• Have weekly discussions on the different learning styles and what they mean to each student.
• Rearrange the room so that there are centers where students can find manipulatives and resources that target a specific learning style.