Reflection- Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through Technology: EDUC 6714

Throughout this course, I have learned so much more about the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI). I have also realized the important role that technology has on supporting a classroom that uses UDL and DI. Smith (2009) explains that technology empowers the learning environment. After reading many articles by Dr. Tomlinson, I have come to the understanding that DI is not something that will take place over night, but it is something that I will need to continue to work on throughout my educational career. Before the start of this course, I knew about DI, but had not heard of UDL before. I now easily recognize the correlation between both UDL and DI and how they can benefit the needs of all students. Howard (2004) shares that UDL focuses educators on developing flexible curricula that provide students with multiple ways of accessing content, multiple means for expressing what they learn, and multiple pathways for engaging their interest and motivation. This change in the way of teaching will enable educators to focus on the needs of students and help them gain access to all material we cover in the classroom.

My colleagues in this course have shared many valuable resources that I will continue to use as I incorporate both UDL and DI in my classroom. Our social network site is a place I can easily access to find resources that will benefit me and resources that will benefit my students. I will also share many of the resources with my school colleagues so that they can benefit from the numerous ideas and activities that I have learned about throughout the duration of this course. I can use the student resources as remediation or enrichment during our reading groups. I can also plan whole-group activities where students can use the technology resources to learn more about topics we are covering.

My instructional practice with regard to the use of technology integration to customize instruction will change tremendously based on the knowledge I have gained during this course. I understand that it is important to start small, but that the benefits of technology use largely outweigh the risk of students not having equal access to classroom materials. Throne (2009) states that technology helps teachers to become more attuned with students’ varied learning styles and readiness levels. I think that technology use today will help reach more students and engage them in the learning process. I would like to spend some of my planning time to school to locate technology tools and resources that will benefit my students as we explore the various standards and make learning more exciting and interesting to them. I would also like to make sure that I could find at least one technology tool or resource that can help my students understand difficult topics and illustrate that information in a more interesting way. Technology can also help students develop the 21st century skills necessary for their everyday lives both in and out of school.

References:

Howard, K. L. (2004). Universal design for learning: Meeting the needs of all students. International Society for Technology in Education, 31(5), 26–29.

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