Like Elena, I am a bit overwhelmed by the amount of technology we are expected to use in the classroom. The fact that the technological world continues to move forward no matter what we (teachers) do is at the same time a terrifying thought and a motivating force to learn all we can to utilize these technologies in the classroom.
I have used graphic organizers in my classroom experiences, and I find that I agree with the author of, Graphic Organizers and Implications for Universal Design for Learning: Curriculum Enhancement Report. They are useful tools for all learners, those with learning difficulties and disabilities and those students without. The graphic organizers help visually orient a student to a concept and allow a hands-on learning experience where one can manipulate the idea in a tangible way.
Both the article on UDL and the one on wikis/blogs brought light to the fact that I have much to learn as an educator in the world of technology. As we were discussing in class, teachers cannot expect our students to use the technology for learning purposes unless we present these concepts knowledgeably, with appropriate applications. Personally, I know just basic information about blogs, very little about wikis, and what I know about Universal Design is what I have read from a textbook. I am interested to not only learn more about technology applications in the classroom, but to also try them out in a hands-on manner, so that I can carry these skills to my own classroom.
Marie Larson
I completely agree with Marie, especially with learning about technology through as hands-on manner so it can be transferred into the classroom. Although the current "millenial" generation has shifted in using computer-mediated communication as their major oultet of communication, my major struggle echos with Marie's post - how can we, as educators, can utilize technology as a means to enhance learning versus taking away from learning?
ReplyDeleteAs a Learning Strategist (Special Education teacher) in a grade 5 through 12 charter school, our school is equipped with SMARTBoards and we have access to laptop carts available for students to utilize. However, many of our teachers have fears that even with amazing resources, like the one presented by Strangman, Hall and Meyer in the Graphic Organizers and Implications article, how can we be sure that students are accurately using these tools? Additionally, how can we, as educators, ensure that the tools we present are being utlizied at home if the resources to access these applications aren't available? Especially working with children with learning differences or disabilities, the partnership of family and school in terms of academia is valuable in ensuring the methods used are consistent throughout towards producing results.
In the end of it all, I am excited to learn more about UDL and its connections to a modern-day classroom; especially in terms of curriculum development and delivery as that is one of the basic foundations in which teachers begin to set goals and expectations through the tools we have access to (i.e. - technology).