Reaching and Engaging all Learners Through Technology Reflection

Over the past eight weeks I have learned the importance of getting to know my students variances, which include: readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles (Laureate Education, 2009). By understanding my students and their specific learning needs I will be more prepared to differentiate my instruction. I have learned that, “When combined with the practices and principles of Universal Design for Learning, differentiated instruction can provide teachers with both theory and practice to appropriately challenge the broad scope of students in classrooms today” (CAST, 2009). I now know how technology can help differentiate instruction and am able to access my group’s wiki (Differentiation Station social network created throughout this course) to find resources that will help me as I begin using what I have learned throughout this course in my own classroom.

Although I plan on changing my teaching to reflect what I have learned about UDL and DI, I will do as Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson suggests and ‘start small’ (Tomlinson, 1999, p. 2). “Trying too many things before you have a chance to think them through leads to frustration and failure” (Tomlinson, 1999, p. 3). Therefore, one adjustment that I plan to take immediately this upcoming school year is to take the time and get to know my students. Not only will I do a better job at getting to know them, but I will also allow them time to understand the principles and procedures of the classroom so that when it comes time to participate in differentiated instructional activities, my students needs will be met and the group as a whole will be easier to manage.

I look forward to the upcoming school year and I feel more prepared to defend my teaching practices based on the information and resources I have learned throughout this course on “Reaching and Engaging all Learners Through Technology”. I believe that by changing my teaching methods and showing the success of students, I will be able to convince both the administration and my colleagues of differentiated instruction through the use of technology in the classroom.

References

Center for Applied Special Technology. (2009). UDL guidelines, version 1.0. Retrieved July 12,2010 from http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.

Tomlinson, C. (1999). Differentiated classroom: Responding to the needs of all learners. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development.