Reflections (Jenn)
Reflection #1
At the core of UDL is the premise that often the curriculum is disabled (and disabling!). It is not flexible; it often poses barriers, and consequently prevents rather than supports optimal learning experiences. Do you agree or disagree with this view? Why or why not?
Reflection #2
What are the benefits of analyzing the curriculum for strengths and weaknesses rather than focusing on the student’s strengths and weaknesses? What are the challenges of this approach?
Reflection #3
How can using a variety of materials and methods reach more of the learners within your classroom? What are the benefits of doing so? What are the challenges?
Reflection #4
What barriers are inherent in traditional assessments? What are the challenges in offering varied options for assessment?
Reflection #5
Given the realities of our modern age and the demands of our children’s future, is it really okay to allow teachers to choose whether or not they incorporate modern technologies into their instruction?
Reflection #6
TBA
February 19th, 2012 at 4:23 pm
I don’t think that we have a choice of whether or not we can incorporate modern technology into our teaching. Our role as educators is to prepare our students for a life of learning after they have left our classes. It is obvious that that life will include more and more technological applications. We are being vain and short sided if we only use traditional teaching methods. This is not to say that we must abandon all content and curriculum. We must have a new vision for this content in a way that makes it accessible to all learners in the digital age.
February 19th, 2012 at 4:23 pm
2/19/12
Reflection #5
Given the realities of our modern age and the demands of our children’s future, is it really okay to allow teachers to choose whether or not they incorporate modern technologies into their instruction?
I actually don’t have a set yes or no answer for this reflection. So, maybe just typing a few things about both ends of the spectrum will help me decide by the end of my reflection. On one hand a teacher may not be the strongest and most effective teacher they could be if they are completely uncomfortable with technology. They may bring their personal frustrations of technology into their teaching, which in turn will not be an effective way for students to learn. On the other hand everyone needs to face the reality that we are living in the digital age and it will only get more technological from here. As much as a teacher doesn’t want to give in to changes (myself included sometimes), there really is no other way then to push forward with change. So many things in life change and we have no choice but to go with it. It seems as though this may be the same type of situation. Well, as I suspected I have answered my question. Yes, teachers should have to use some sort of modern technology in their teaching. None of this should be expected to happen all at once. Baby steps may lessen the blow a little bit for the teachers that are very stuck in their ways.
February 19th, 2012 at 4:24 pm
Reflection #5
Incorporating technology into lessons today will help students learn in the ways that meet their preference. Teachers who are willing to incorporate technology into what they do will find that their role as educators will change from subject matter expert to learning coach/facilitator. However, to mandate that a teacher implement new strategies and technologies that they are unfamiliar with would not be the best thing for the teacher or the students. What works for one teacher may not work for another. What is important is that prospective teachers, new teachers, and current teachers who are willing to commit to technology integration be supported. This support should come from governments, district administration, and supervisors. Non tech savvy teachers can be given every opportunity to use technology in whatever way that works for them. Keeping the transition a positive experience will be of great benefit to all parties involved.
February 19th, 2012 at 4:24 pm
Prior to taking this class I would argue that it would be okay to allow teachers to choose whether or not they incorporate modern technologies into their classroom. At the beginning of the class I would use the excuse that I didn’t have the tools inside my class to aide my instruction. In retrospect, I have to admit that it was my insecurities as a “digital immigrant” and not feeling comfortable with my technological capabilities. With my newly acquired knowledge from this class, I see the urgency to take ownership into integrating new technologies while teaching the “digital natives” in my class. I feel much more confident, and I am “willing to become disturbed” as I try new things.
February 19th, 2012 at 4:25 pm
Reflection #5
Given the realities of our modern age and the demands of our children’s future, is it really okay to allow teachers to choose whether or not they incorporate modern technologies into their instruction?
I think that teachers NEED to incorporate some form of new technology into their instruction, but ‘how much technology” and “to what extent” should be up to the teacher. Nowadays students are thinking differently then they were 10-20 years ago, so teachers need to match their instruction with how students think. In order to do so, I think districts need to have professional development days where teachers can be instructed on HOW to incorporate different technologies into the classroom. It would be a great idea to have many different options of what we can use and have the teachers pick and choose what to bring into their own classroom.
February 19th, 2012 at 4:25 pm
I feel that teachers should be directed in the digital direction at this point in time. There are many advantages to using technology in the classroom. I know that in my district, we are behind on technology in the classroom so that is a disadvantage. However, this new generation is heavily involved and/or surrounded by technology. We need to make it a point to either be trained by our district or learn on our own. It is a reality, technology is here to stay!
February 19th, 2012 at 4:26 pm
REFLECTION 5
IS a great way to engage students in the classroom
Students use different technology on a regular basis. They understand very good technology languages
February 19th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
Reflection # 6
This class has been truly enlightening. I look forward to now going home and really digesting this information. I have learned so many new and innovative ideas for my classroom. I am anxious to really have the time to try something new at least every month.
February 19th, 2012 at 4:54 pm
Hello Students, Principal Murphy, Board of Education Members, Colleagues, and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Taylor
We are in the middle of a change in education. This change is a not so subtle shift in the way that our students are learning. This shift must be reflected in the way that we are reaching out to our students in our classrooms. We have all heard of Baby Boomers and Generation X. We are now teaching the “Net Gen.” This generation of learners are sitting in our classrooms ready to explore all that we can offer to them. These students are digital natives who come to first grade already knowing how to manipulate an ipod, they are the third graders who must wade through internet sources to find fact based sites to create presentations about current events; they are the middle and high school students who create avatars to narrrate imovie to chronical historical events. These are the students who challenge us to expand our own knowledge base in order to challenge the boundaries of their learning.
February 19th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
oops! sorry, put this in the wrong place!
February 19th, 2012 at 4:56 pm
This class has been a great breath of fresh air. I have learned SO MUCH practical information to include in my lessons immediately. Already, I have included things we have learned into my every day lessons. I am fortunate to work in a district that fully supports its teachers and provides all types of technology for its students, therefore the transition from this classroom to my own classroom has been pretty seamless for me.
February 19th, 2012 at 4:57 pm
Technology is an integral part of learning. Students can be learners, creators, innovators and teachers. As educators, it is important to provide opportunities for students to learn in ways that meet their needs and learning styles. Looking ahead, it is important to try new things and not be afraid to incorporate technology.
February 19th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
Reflection #5
The realities of the modern age demand a change in our thinking towards the curriculum in order to satisfy the demands of our children’s future. Therefore it should be REQUIRED of all teachers to incorporate modern technologies in their instructions. The world is vastly changing and in order for teachers to prepare students for the vast changing world we as teachers have to be changed. Teachers’ change should come from administrators recognizing that alterations to the curriculum are needed.
February 19th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Reflection 6
This course provided an excellent source of resources to help educate the net generation! The opportunities of UDL are endless…
February 19th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
I feel a LOT more comfortable after taking this class. I am definitely a digital immigrant! ‘I fear what I don’t understand.’ Thank you for all your help. I can’t wait to continue using Edmodo with my class, edutopia, school tube, etc!!!
February 19th, 2012 at 5:00 pm
My final reflection is a positive one. I feel really excited about some of the ideas that I have experienced in this class. I have learned lots of practical information that is current and crucial.
February 19th, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Reflection #6-
I learned a lot of great information and tools that I can use in the classroom starting on Tuesday!
February 19th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
2/19/12
Reflection #6
My Thoughts
Well, here I am- a universal design graduate. But, please don’t get this confused with me being an expert. I am slowly grasping the fact that there is an unbelievable amount of data, information, virtual tools, and so much more that could enhance my teaching. I have already thought of many ways to bring UDL into my classroom more than I ever have before. Though this will take a lot of time to work on and explore, I look forward to my future with my native students.
February 19th, 2012 at 5:34 pm
Reflection #6
Thank you Jenn for guiding us to new revelations of what classroom instructions in the Net Generation is supposed to look like. I was a proponent of students/youth not having their digital devices out while under my supervision/instructions. After taking this course I learned how to use students/youth digital devices to enhance their experiences during those times. UDL aids us for the present and prepares us for the future.