EDLD+5364+Week+2+Reflection

It was not surprising to learn from the Schacter and Page readings this week that technology usage in the classroom leads to higher student achievement and increased self esteem. Because educators are now teaching digital natives, it seems even more important to “speak” their technological language. I have learned several new ideas that will help me as an educator to more successfully incorporate more technology into the state standards that I teach and to reach a growing number of special needs students. One of those ideas is the use of the UDL model for lesson planning to help diversify instruction to meet the needs of all students within the classroom. The Cast website was an excellent resource for illustrating the numerous ways that students could approach their learning, covering most special needs issues of students today. The videos presented ideas to help teachers customize lessons for individual differences in each of the three brain networks: representation, multiple means of expression, and engagement. The Pitler text highlighted the importance of setting objectives in order to establish a clear focus or direction for learning. Many of the suggestions from this text provided helpful technology applications such as: making KWHL charts in Word, creating learning contracts, designing online surveys, and creating rubrics, all of which could be used with a diverse group of learners. Overall, this week has shown me new ways that I can engage and teach special needs learners alongside low, medium and high ability learners through the creative use of technology.