Reflection on Knowledge learned in Week 3: Making Individualization Work with Flexible Media and Tools

The readings and applications this week have been extremely interesting. I have learned how using technology can make differentiation an easier task than conventional ways of teaching. There are a plethora of tools available to assist teachers in reaching all students. Today you will find it difficult to walk in any classroom that does not fit the scenario that we are designing our UDL (Universal Design for Learning) lesson for this week. Each year my classes will encompass the gifted and talented, special needs with IEPs, the learning disabled that have 504 modifications, and English Language Learners as well as others that do not fit neatly in these categories. Each student is unique and each learns differently. It seems with the changes in giving all of our students a free and appropriate education in the least restricted environment that our 21^st Century technological advancements have come just in time! I can’t imagine continuing to try and meet the needs of such a diverse classroom without the help of technology. The reading on the three brain networks was enlightening. “We can accommodate diverse learners by using a repertoire of teaching strategies suited to each of the brain networks (Rose & Meyer, 2002). The research at Cast.org has made it easy to understand each of these three brain networks, Recognition Learning, Strategic Learning, and Affective Learning, and choose technology to support each of these areas where students may struggle. What I found most interesting is that students can all be meeting the same learning goals but using different media and tools to get there. With professional development, support, practice and experience I believe all teachers will be able to pair technology and effective instructional strategies for helping students “acquire and integrate new knowledge” ((Pitler, Hubbel, Khun, & Malenoski, 2007).

References:

Rose, D., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Available online at the Center for Applied Special Technology Web site. Chapter 6. Retrieved on February 18, 2011, from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.