EDUC 6714: Reflection

As a result of the course Reaching and Engaging All Students through Technology, I had the opportunity to network with many of my colleagues in a Differentiation Station social network, such as Facebook. We shared technology resources that will help me implement the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI) in a variety of ways. Due to a plethora of outstanding resources posted by my group members, I created a checklist to help me view these resources and comment on how I can use them in my classroom instruction. For example, two resources from my checklist will provide Pathways to Careers 8th grade students Web tools that will help them fulfill career research project requirements. For instance, at http://www.filamentality.com/wired/fil/index.html
students can learn how to construct a WebQuest centered on careers of their choice, and at http://people.uncw.edu/ertzbergerj/ppt_games.html
students can build a game based on career exploration. These exciting tools will allow me to differentiate instruction and implement UDL because they allow students to demonstrate what they know in an assortment of ways and inspire interest and enthusiasm for learning. According to Tomlinson (Laureate Education, 2009), when students are given choices, they are more motivated and engaged in the learning process.

Regarding the use of technology integration to customize instruction, I will continue to focus on classroom management as this is a work in progress. I learned through experience that when students use technology in the classroom, they need clear and concise routines, goals or objectives, and guidelines for accomplishing the goals that they can visualize at any time. In addition, when students use technology, such as a computer and the Internet to research for a wiki, they are more successful at achieving their goals when they reflect on their progress each day. It also helps when I provide students with consistent and immediate feedback. Furthermore, students who follow a GAME-plan when working in a computer lab seem to do well because it helps them stay on task. GAME-plan stands for Set Goals, Take Action, Monitor Your Learning, and Evaluate and Extend Your Learning (Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer, 2009).

References

http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/

Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach (Laureate Education custom edition). Belmont, CA:Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Introduction to Differentiated Instruction[Motion Picture].Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Putting It All Together [Motion Picture]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009).What is Differentiated Instruction? [Motion Picture].Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.