Universal Design for Learning
Reaching All Learners in the Digital Age
© 2012 Universal Design for Learning.
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© 2012 Universal Design for Learning.
Provided by WPMU DEV -The WordPress Experts Theme: Contempt by Vault9.
Hosted by Edublogs.org
August 3rd, 2010 at 12:19 pm
This course has been wonderful. It has gotten me thinking about new ways to reach more students in my classroom. I think it is might be hard to let go of the “sage on the stage” and incorporate more of the “guide on the side”. I also think I have to keep reminding myself that education is constantly evolving and it is easier to be a leader than a follower. Thank you, Jon, for giving me a wealth of information in a captivating way!!
August 3rd, 2010 at 12:20 pm
For my last reflection, I’d like to state that this was one of the best courses I’ve taken! This was my first RTC course and I had a great experience and really had the chance to reflect on my teaching practices and evaluate my teaching techniques. After learning about UDL and understanding student needs of the “Net Generation”, I realize that I need to incorporate new technology into my unit plans. I really never knew about wikis, blogs or other collaborative learning tools, so I will continue to explore these tools and will attempt to integrate the use of these tools into my classroom this year. This course has sparked me to take additional technology courses to enhance my understanding of technology so that I can further engage my students in class. Thanks for developing a relevant, interesting course to challenge us to become better educators!
August 3rd, 2010 at 4:21 pm
I’d like to dovetail off of what Jess has written and say that this course has given me exactly what I needed to keep me going for this coming fall. Coming out of an extremely stressful few years, I was questioning my role in our profession and actually went so far as to ask for a sign to let me know whether I was to stay in it or move in another direction. Again, because my personal goal was to reduce my stress level (and mind you, I teach the Stress course…) I was giving UDL one “trial” day to see if it was worth my while. Well, after listening to Jon for just five minutes, I knew I was in the right place and that this course was my sign.
I thoroughly enjoyed our 4.5 days together, it was a great group of people; and Jon it’s so much fun to be around others who are as passionate- your enthusiasm is contagious. Thank you for taking the time to create this course and for spending your time away from home with us so we can spread the idea of UDL, allowing it to ripple throughout our educational communities.
I look forward to hearing how everyone is doing in the fall!
August 3rd, 2010 at 4:49 pm
This UDL course has opened my eyes to new and exciting possibilities in the classroom using technology tools. I have known about many of the technologies mentioned in the class, but I never considered their potential in the classroom. The course has provided a venue conducive for exploration and collaboration with other educators towards a 21st century approach to learning. The UDL model, combined with a plethora of technology-based options, helped to create a library of resources with great promise for multiple quality educational encounters for this generation of digital native students. I am truly very eager to try new things and share the concept of UDL using these technologies with educators in my school district. The course also provided a serious incentive to continue with an ongoing quest for technology-based opportunities and applications, and to access sources for innovative ideas in the field of education. A special thanks to Jon for creating and gracefully facilitating this course, and to all my collaborators in this learning experience.
August 4th, 2010 at 7:55 am
Everyone has recapped our experience so eloquently…. but I think that Oliver Wendell Holmes said it best, “a mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.” Thanks for the cerebral workout! All the best to you and your family.
August 4th, 2010 at 9:03 am
Reflection #6
I have said this before and I will say it again, UDL will bring many into the digital age with “GRACE”. I say this because it puts the “tech tools” and the “net kids” into perspective for teachers like me. I am a lifelong learner and OPEN to all new ideas. No matter how I tried I just could not get my mind around ALL of the STUFF out there. Jon and this course, have really opened it up and provided me with the framework that makes it so clear. Designing for all types of learners and making a commitment to do so…will advance my teaching in the way it should be everyday. Thank you for the course, the direction, the support and enthusiasm to get me going!! You have RENEWED my teaching heart and soul!!!
August 22nd, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Maura,
I have to agree that even though I have a long way to go I feel renewed, and ready to enjoy the journey with these 21st century learners!
Keep in touch,
Pegg
August 12th, 2010 at 1:31 am
Wow…. I have worked hard and learned a lot. There is no going back. I have embraced UDL and am ready to make changes in my approach to dealing with students and fellow teachers. I would highly suggest that my peers consider taking this class. It has been a roller coaster of a ride and it was worth it. As a parent of three children who are part of the older end of the Net Generation I feel I have made strides to work with the newer technology and Web 2.0. I feel I have so much to share with my peers and I am thrilled that we will continue to have access to the blog and wiki space. Thanks everyone
March 27th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
This class has been very informative and helpful. It has shown me several new ways to engage my students through technology. I am excited to try many of these new strategies in my classroom. Thanks Heidi!
March 27th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
The course has made me very aware of how ill equipped my district is for educating our students in the 21st century. i have a promethean board and use of netbooks once a week. the regular classrooms don’t have this type of technology. i have felt stressed about all the tecnology but i have grown and intend to continue to stretch myself by using what i’ve learned. Thank you for your patience and support!
March 27th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
This has been a wonderful experience. I am so sorry that my administrators and my new superintendent could not be here. I sincerely believe that most people how work in education want the best for children, but we seem to never be able to agree on what is best. I feel that UDL addresses the different learner better than any other program that I have been exposed to at the current time. I believe that learning will be improved in my classroom and most if teachers always address the “what, the how and the why” of learning. In addition to that, I feel that UDL is correct in requiring teachers to give multile means of representation, expression and engagement. If we teachers implement this program correctly, I feel that teachers will be teaching, learners will be learning, and discipline will be minimal. This has been a meaningful educational experience.
Sincerely,
Willola Ashley
March 27th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
I already feel like the Digital immigrant! However, this course gave me some great ideas to start implementing ASAP. One of them is to create webpage(wiki space) where I can invite my students as groups and make them take advantage of the video links and free tutorials. I would even have my assignments posted on this page so that the kids would create cartoons, play games, draw mazes and so on as part of their HW assignments. I think it was an outsatnding opportunity to get acquire and get this kind of knowledge. One of the other things I would like to implement is to make sure the kids do not feel “Powered Down” when they are at school. Podcasting may be the solution! Personal On Demand Info synced to their ipods (math ofcourse, but fum math); they can listen to it during class. I love it, thanks.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:40 pm
The course has been helpful. I found a number of resources while taking the class that I am anxious to use in my classroom. There is so much available to help educators help students. I am going to spend part of my summer vacation revamping my Marketing lesson plans to incorporate the principles of UDL into my instruction.
June 12th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
empowered
June 12th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
The course has helped me see a lot of things I can do and need to learn. I will be spending time over the summer working with various websites and practicing using what I am not great at yet. Have a great summer, you’ll be hearing from me.
June 12th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
The course was great and I learned a great deal from Jon and Doran. They both are a wealth of knowledge and as I teach the course I will depend on them for suggestions and communicate regularly.
June 12th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
I feel like I finally took a course that suits my teaching styles. I am very much the teacher for whom this is suited to. I think that there are teachers who could never pull this off. I also think that there are a lot of people that disagree with it. I love it and am going to embrace it. I hope to be able to slide into a position where I teach this course someday because I am so thrilled about the concept.
June 12th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
I really learned a lot of good strategies to take back for the Fall. I’m excited to use the new technology. I think if I start off the year that way, students will be engaged and hopefully it will become seamless each day. Thanks for all the great material. This has been one of the best courses I have taken.
June 12th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
John, this course was very eye opening and enlightening. You mentioned that this course was only taught about 20 times, so far. It would be nice to have a long professional development for ALL teachers in our county to tell them about this. If it wasn’t for this course, I would not have all of these NEW ideas that I never knew to think of. I just finished my first year teaching, and I feel this course has come at the perfect time. Just as I am reflecting about what I plan to change for next year, I have tons of ideas that will 100% be implemented!
Thank you!!!
June 12th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
Great class! This was a really eye-opening experience. Seeing the different types of learners in our own class was a memorable activity. There were a lot of good questions that we as educators need to think about in terms of implementing UDL in our schools. Determining how to assess when UDL has been implemented was the question that stuck with me the most.
June 12th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
Thank you so much for all the knowledge that both you (Jon) and Doran gave me. There is so much to absorb and I still am, but it is so useful. I am planning on sharing it with others, especially in my department. You guys were great. The whole class I know appreciated you both traveling to us so that the class was not canceled and it is truly appreciated. Thank you again.
June 12th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
Reflection #6 – Judy Lane
I am feeling very pumped for the last weekend, end of the school year. In a way I am glad it is the end of the year and I have time to organize my thoughts. The problem is always time…in a couple of days I will have time. As much as I am looking forward to house projects, landscape painting projects, outdoor activities, and travelling, I am looking forward to setting up some lessons using technology.
June 12th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
Just like Golilocks said, “All was just-right!” Thank you for an awesome class. You set the stage for continued learning and growth. Bravo!
June 12th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Reflection #6
I’m looking forward to implementing many new things in the upcoming school year. Technololgy is a component, but not the only one. I need to be thinking outside of the box more often for the benefit of my students!! I can’t wait!!
June 13th, 2011 at 11:33 am
I can’t wait to implement the ideas that I think will benefit most of my students next year. I am looking forward for part two of this training. In fact I already sign up for this online course required for the teachers who wish to use wikis in the classroom.
June 23rd, 2011 at 10:10 pm
As I am working on my final project I am realizing how excited I am for next year. I really feel that many of the ideas and principles that we have learned in class can help my students be more engaged in their learning, even at the age of five. I will have to keep you updated on all my exciting endeavors.
February 19th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
I have discovered many new technologies to implement in my own classroom from this course. I am so very excited to share the methods and ideas from the course content and my fellow learners. Thanks for a great course!