Just over eight weeks ago I was still not sure what exactly Universal Design for Learning was or what its components were. This class has taught me more about UDL and the importance of differentiating my instruction by following the three principles of UDL: multiple means of representation, multiple means of engagement, and multiple means of expression (CAST, 2011). Technology is a great tool to use in the classroom because it simplifies the process of differentiation and gives students an amazing number of options making students excited about learning and allowing for endless opportunities (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009a).
There are some immediate adjustments that I will make in my classroom to differentiate instruction. I will create more options throughout the learning process so everything will better meet their needs. If we have learning goals in place, then why should it matter how students reach those goals? All students need an opportunity to improve their skills and learn (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009d), so I will provide multiple ways for them to do so. I have provided some options for students, but I want to make more options available more often so they will be engaged in the classroom and material will be at each of their levels of understanding.
One adjustment that I have already made is allowing my students the opportunity to use a computer to type essays or writing responses. Students have the opportunity to concentrate more on the writing process rather than worrying about spelling and grammar because they will have the spell checking tool to review their work (Bray, Brown, & Green, 2004, p. 48). This is also beneficial when students first complete a rough draft because it makes the revising process much easier and less time consuming when using the computer.
Another adjustment that I am making in my classroom is to provide more opportunities for students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding. Students have different strengths, so they should have the opportunity to use their strengths to express what they have learned. I plan on giving my students the opportunity to create a podcast, Voicethread, PowerPoint, or Prezi for their career speech rather than only giving them the one option of giving a speech. Some students are not confident in their speaking skills and they get very nervous, so I want to give them other ways to express their knowledge (CAST, 2011) of the career they researched that makes them feel more comfortable.
I often have my students create posters for projects with specific information regarding whatever we are studying. This is great for the students that are good artists, but for others, it is a major struggle and they hate every part of it. I can allow them to make a glog that would have the same requirements, but it eases the stress of making it look nice when artistic ability is lacking.
The most important lesson that I learned from this class is that content and curriculum cannot remain as rigid as it has been. All students are different, so we must treat them appropriately and make sure that the content and curriculum are a good match for each student (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009b). To do this, we must get to know our students and then form the curriculum around them. It must remain flexible and have options so each student has an equal opportunity to reach each learning goal. For students to have equal opportunities to learn, we must use technology as a guide to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of our students and be willing learners along the way (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009c).
References
Bray, M., Brown, A., & Green, T. (2004). Technology and the Diverse Learner: A Guide to Classroom Practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Center for Applied Special Technology. (2009). UDL guidelines, version 2.0. Retrieved from http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009a). Differentiating instructional elements. [DVD]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore, MD.: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009b). High quality curriculum. [DVD]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore, MD.: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009c). Putting is all together. [DVD]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore, MD.: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009d). Universal design for learning. [DVD]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore, MD.: Author.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Week 8 Reflection
This course has taught me an abundant amount of information that I can use in my profession to benefit both my students and me. As I reflect on the past 8 weeks, I have grown professionally more than I ever thought I could in such a short period. Reaching the goals that I have set for myself in my GAME plan has given me tremendous confidence to continue to set goals so that I can continue to grow. I must incorporate technology into my lessons to engage the technology craving students in my classroom.
I have learned a great deal more about incorporating technology into my classroom to enhance the learning experiences of my students. Using technology enhances activities and allows for more creativity along with content knowledge. I have learned the benefits of problem-based learning, online collaboration, and digital storytelling in the classroom. Incorporating technology into my classroom helps prepare students for the society that they will enter as working citizens and engages them in authentic learning activities. When using technology the possibilities are endless because students can consult the advice of professionals or other students from anywhere in the world. When technology is brought into the classroom activities are more meaningful and mastery of content can be achieved.
I plan to continue my GAME plan by setting more goals for myself. I also want to collaborate more with others to share ideas of using technology in the classroom, and possibly even work with a class from somewhere around the globe with my students. I want to share my knowledge with my colleagues and encourage them to start making their own GAME plans. I want my students to start making their own GAME plans also where they can set their own goals and strive to reach them. I want them to feel the sense of accomplishment that I have had the chance to feel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this class. Thank you Dr. Xu for helping me to grow professionally.
I have learned a great deal more about incorporating technology into my classroom to enhance the learning experiences of my students. Using technology enhances activities and allows for more creativity along with content knowledge. I have learned the benefits of problem-based learning, online collaboration, and digital storytelling in the classroom. Incorporating technology into my classroom helps prepare students for the society that they will enter as working citizens and engages them in authentic learning activities. When using technology the possibilities are endless because students can consult the advice of professionals or other students from anywhere in the world. When technology is brought into the classroom activities are more meaningful and mastery of content can be achieved.
I plan to continue my GAME plan by setting more goals for myself. I also want to collaborate more with others to share ideas of using technology in the classroom, and possibly even work with a class from somewhere around the globe with my students. I want to share my knowledge with my colleagues and encourage them to start making their own GAME plans. I want my students to start making their own GAME plans also where they can set their own goals and strive to reach them. I want them to feel the sense of accomplishment that I have had the chance to feel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this class. Thank you Dr. Xu for helping me to grow professionally.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Using the GAME Plan Process with Students
Using the GAME plan process is an excellent way for students to become self-directed learners! Setting goals, taking action, monitoring progress, and evaluating progress is a great way for students to evaluate their own learning and see how they can improve. For students to develop proficiency in the technology standards and indicators outlines in the NETS-S, they need to be aware of what they are. In my classroom I can show them the ISTE website (http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-student-standards-2007.aspx) so that they are aware of the standards. They can pick out some of the standards that they feel they need to work on, and then make their own GAME plan. I think that it would be good for them to record their progress in a blog or journal, which would serve as a good way to keep track of everything. It would also be easy for students to look at their work and then reflect on what they have done and learned. I would have different projects for students to complete that incorporate technology so that they can work on becoming proficient in the NETS-S. They could also post links to their projects on their blogs to show their progress of their GAME plan.
Making a GAME plan will help students see the value in learning new information and strengthening their skills. They need to be self-directed learners throughout life, so they need to be taught how to do that. Creating their own GAME plans makes it individual and more meaningful to them because it is up to them to reach their goals. Of course students could consult me for assistance and I would provide multiple opportunities for them to complete activities to meet their goals, but they would have a large control of their learning, which teaches them a very valuable skill: to become self-directed learners.
Making a GAME plan will help students see the value in learning new information and strengthening their skills. They need to be self-directed learners throughout life, so they need to be taught how to do that. Creating their own GAME plans makes it individual and more meaningful to them because it is up to them to reach their goals. Of course students could consult me for assistance and I would provide multiple opportunities for them to complete activities to meet their goals, but they would have a large control of their learning, which teaches them a very valuable skill: to become self-directed learners.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Revising my GAME plan
I believe that I am making good progress with my GAME plan. I have learned a lot as I have been working towards achieving my goals. There are many news tools that I have found that can make my lessons more engaging. The most recent tool that I have learned about is social networking within the classroom. I have never thought much using of social networking in the classroom. I have done a little of it in my classroom, but I have learned many other ways that I can use it. Having students collaborate in class has always been important for me, but with online collaboration, it can extend beyond the classroom. Although I have found more tools to use in my classroom, I would like to continue researching and finding even more resources to use and more ways to use them. I am currently working on a wiki with my colleagues. which is a great way to collaborate with other educators to gain insight from them.
One new learning goal that I would like to set for myself according to NETS-T is to do a better job of modeling digital age work and learning. I believe that if I took more time to create good examples of what I have done using the tools that I want students to use, then they would be even more engaged in the activities. I like to show them how to use the technology, but I would like to also show them what I did with it. I am finding that I learn a lot from other people. Even just listening to their suggestions and hearing about the tools that they use in the classroom gives me ideas of incorporating more technology into my classroom. I am excited about the progress that I have made with my GAME plan and I am excited to continue learning.
One new learning goal that I would like to set for myself according to NETS-T is to do a better job of modeling digital age work and learning. I believe that if I took more time to create good examples of what I have done using the tools that I want students to use, then they would be even more engaged in the activities. I like to show them how to use the technology, but I would like to also show them what I did with it. I am finding that I learn a lot from other people. Even just listening to their suggestions and hearing about the tools that they use in the classroom gives me ideas of incorporating more technology into my classroom. I am excited about the progress that I have made with my GAME plan and I am excited to continue learning.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Evaluating my GAME plan progress
I believe that I am on track with meeting my GAME plan goals. I have been implementing more technology into my lessons and into the activities that the students are completing. My actions have been effective in helping me meet my goals because I have been taking more time to research and use tools that I have never used before. My students have also showed me some tools that they use and I have been planning activities that will utilize those tools that they enjoy using. I was hesitant to use some tools at first because I have never used them in my classroom, but my students have been positive and enjoy learning new tools and teaching me things that I didn't know. They have been more engaged in classroom activities lately because we have been using new tools. I have learned that bringing technology into my classroom is relatively easy and it does engage the students more in my lessons. They enjoy working on their own and being creative with the tools that they are using.
I still have to learn to let the students have more freedom and free reign with some of the technology. I find myself a little apprehensive when it comes to letting them go and work. Once I see how well they are doing, I feel better about letting them go because it is helping them learn to be self-directed learners. I have learned that some students still need lots of guidance using the technology. They sometimes get frustrated when they don't know how to do something, but they feel better once I show them how easy it is and they are more likely to try it on their own before asking me. This is teaching them a great skill that they need to be successful. I want them to be able to be self-sufficient and not want to rely on my assistance on everything that they have questions about. I encourage them to explore on their own and try the tools on their own after I give them the basics.
I do not feel that I need to adjust my plan at this time, but I would like to spend more time researching ideas for engaging lessons using technology, especially with my sophomores now because they are not very excited about reading Shakespeare. I plan on presenting them with a project where they will work in groups to create a newspaper on Julius Caesar when we are finished reading. I think that this will engage them more in the reading and activities that we do while we are reading the play. I would also like to find technology to use during my lessons while we are reading the play that will engage them more in the reading. If anyone has any suggestions on cool ways to bring technology into Julius Caesar, please share!
I still have to learn to let the students have more freedom and free reign with some of the technology. I find myself a little apprehensive when it comes to letting them go and work. Once I see how well they are doing, I feel better about letting them go because it is helping them learn to be self-directed learners. I have learned that some students still need lots of guidance using the technology. They sometimes get frustrated when they don't know how to do something, but they feel better once I show them how easy it is and they are more likely to try it on their own before asking me. This is teaching them a great skill that they need to be successful. I want them to be able to be self-sufficient and not want to rely on my assistance on everything that they have questions about. I encourage them to explore on their own and try the tools on their own after I give them the basics.
I do not feel that I need to adjust my plan at this time, but I would like to spend more time researching ideas for engaging lessons using technology, especially with my sophomores now because they are not very excited about reading Shakespeare. I plan on presenting them with a project where they will work in groups to create a newspaper on Julius Caesar when we are finished reading. I think that this will engage them more in the reading and activities that we do while we are reading the play. I would also like to find technology to use during my lessons while we are reading the play that will engage them more in the reading. If anyone has any suggestions on cool ways to bring technology into Julius Caesar, please share!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Monitoring my GAME Plan Progress
I am progressing nicely on my GAME plan. It makes me feel good to know that I have set goals and I am on my way to reaching them. My students are also responding well to my new technology additions.
I am finding many of the things that I need to complete my GAME plan. I am using resources on the internet to find lesson ideas that incorporate more technology. I am also discovering new tools to use in my lessons and for the students to use in activities. I am very excited to learn how to use these new tools that I have come across, and the students are excited too.
I have been managing my time better lately so that I have been able to dedicate more time to researching for ideas to use technology in my classroom. I have also collaborated with my colleagues and my technology coordinator on new ways to incorporate technology into my classroom. I post all of my assignments on my web page so that students can see what they missed, and I have been better at keeping that updated.
A recent project that we are doing in my classroom is a virtual short story fair, where students are working in partners to create a wiki demonstrating their understanding of the assigned short story. They are required to provide literary details along with creative aspects. They are taking it well and seem excited about it. This leads me to a question. I know that students must take turns editing the wikis, but could they be working on the same wiki but on different pages?
I have learned many new ways to incorporate technology into my classroom, and I have also learned how easy it is to do. I do not feel that I have to change anything with my GAME plan right now because everything has been going well. I am pretty excited that I have been making good progress on my GAME plan.
I am finding many of the things that I need to complete my GAME plan. I am using resources on the internet to find lesson ideas that incorporate more technology. I am also discovering new tools to use in my lessons and for the students to use in activities. I am very excited to learn how to use these new tools that I have come across, and the students are excited too.
I have been managing my time better lately so that I have been able to dedicate more time to researching for ideas to use technology in my classroom. I have also collaborated with my colleagues and my technology coordinator on new ways to incorporate technology into my classroom. I post all of my assignments on my web page so that students can see what they missed, and I have been better at keeping that updated.
A recent project that we are doing in my classroom is a virtual short story fair, where students are working in partners to create a wiki demonstrating their understanding of the assigned short story. They are required to provide literary details along with creative aspects. They are taking it well and seem excited about it. This leads me to a question. I know that students must take turns editing the wikis, but could they be working on the same wiki but on different pages?
I have learned many new ways to incorporate technology into my classroom, and I have also learned how easy it is to do. I do not feel that I have to change anything with my GAME plan right now because everything has been going well. I am pretty excited that I have been making good progress on my GAME plan.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Carrying out my GAME plan
When I think about carrying out my GAME plan, there are many things that I need to consider.
Resources:
There are many resources that I will need to successfully carry out my plan. One resource that I need is time to read and search for technology tools that I can use in my classroom. Access to the internet is something that I do not have a problem with, but I need to take the time to explore tools and lessons that incorporate technology. For my students to be more engaged and learn the 21st century skills that they will need, I need to research and plan for the best lessons that will teach them the skills that they need. Another resource that I will use for my GAME plan is my colleagues. There are many experienced teachers in my school that use technology often in their classrooms. We also have a technology coordinator available to help us find and use technology tools in our classrooms. Seeking the advice of my colleagues and sharing ideas with each other can help provide the support needed to carry out my plan.
Additional Information:
In order to carry out my GAME plan I need to consider my students and their interests, along with our access to technology. Fortunately, all of my students have access to a netbook for use in the classroom and at home. This makes it easier for me to plan activities for the students using technology and for them to access additional information or assignments that they may have missed. When considering my students, I have to examine their backgrounds and find out what interests them so that I can be more successful at engaging them in lessons that will teach them the content and the skills that they will need to have. I also have to examine their abilities when it comes to technology so that I can have a better idea of how much assistance they need with the technology.
My steps I've taken so far:
I have taken many steps towards completing my GAME plan. I have taken more time researching tools that my students can use in the classroom and finding tools that I can use to present content that will be more engaging. One activity that all of my classes either has completed or are in the process of completing is a wiki. Most of them did not have any experience with wikis, but they we very quick to learn the skill and were able to successfully work in small groups and create the wikis. I have also brought more technology into presenting the content. This has engaged more of my students and they seem more interested in what I am teaching them. I have also researched more tools that I can use and talked to many of my colleagues sharing what we are doing in our classrooms.
I am very excited to continue carrying out my GAME plan! I feel that I am off to a good start and I have all the right tools to continue and successfully carry out my GAME plan.
Resources:
There are many resources that I will need to successfully carry out my plan. One resource that I need is time to read and search for technology tools that I can use in my classroom. Access to the internet is something that I do not have a problem with, but I need to take the time to explore tools and lessons that incorporate technology. For my students to be more engaged and learn the 21st century skills that they will need, I need to research and plan for the best lessons that will teach them the skills that they need. Another resource that I will use for my GAME plan is my colleagues. There are many experienced teachers in my school that use technology often in their classrooms. We also have a technology coordinator available to help us find and use technology tools in our classrooms. Seeking the advice of my colleagues and sharing ideas with each other can help provide the support needed to carry out my plan.
Additional Information:
In order to carry out my GAME plan I need to consider my students and their interests, along with our access to technology. Fortunately, all of my students have access to a netbook for use in the classroom and at home. This makes it easier for me to plan activities for the students using technology and for them to access additional information or assignments that they may have missed. When considering my students, I have to examine their backgrounds and find out what interests them so that I can be more successful at engaging them in lessons that will teach them the content and the skills that they will need to have. I also have to examine their abilities when it comes to technology so that I can have a better idea of how much assistance they need with the technology.
My steps I've taken so far:
I have taken many steps towards completing my GAME plan. I have taken more time researching tools that my students can use in the classroom and finding tools that I can use to present content that will be more engaging. One activity that all of my classes either has completed or are in the process of completing is a wiki. Most of them did not have any experience with wikis, but they we very quick to learn the skill and were able to successfully work in small groups and create the wikis. I have also brought more technology into presenting the content. This has engaged more of my students and they seem more interested in what I am teaching them. I have also researched more tools that I can use and talked to many of my colleagues sharing what we are doing in our classrooms.
I am very excited to continue carrying out my GAME plan! I feel that I am off to a good start and I have all the right tools to continue and successfully carry out my GAME plan.
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