Reflections 6714

As I began to reflect on taking the course called Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through Technology, I am so elated that I had the opportunity to enhance my teaching practices by learning new instructional strategies to incorporate into my class. I have more insight about how students learn best and I have gained skills that will help me with modifying instructions to meet the needs of my students. I realize now that lessons should be planned so that the visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners can have the opportunity to perform activities that will help them master course content. When students enter my class, I will create surveys so that I will be informed of students learning styles and those essentials skills that students possess prior to taking my class.

I have explored advanced technology such as creating wikis, participated in social networking groups, used voicethread software and utilized various multimedia applications which will be beneficial in assisting students with learning complex content information. I know how to integrate technology into my instructions to help make learning more relevant, fun and meaningful. Technology is a powerful tool that give teachers the flexibility to adjust instructions so that all students will be able learn the curriculum in ways that best suits their learning style.

While taking this course, I was introduced to two instructional strategies that will transform my teaching practices. The first strategy was differentiating instructions which is a concept that I was very familiar however I had never imagine learning more in-depth information about how this strategy could improve student achievement in my class. I realize that differentiating instructions will allow my students to be creative, improve their literacy’s skills, and increase student’s knowledge about key concepts while keeping then engaged in the lesson. According to Dr. Rose, the brain is divided into three areas which are recognition, strategic, and affective networks (Laureate, 2009). When I differentiate lessons, I will plan activities that will allow students to utilize all three areas of the brain so students can learn more effectively while utilizing a range of skills.

The other strategy is UDL (Universal Design for Learning) which provided me with the fact that student has their own unique characteristics of determining how they learn. “Universal design for learning suggests that instruction can be designed and implemented for students with diverse learning styles, preferences, abilities, and motivation,” (Cennamo & Erthmer, 2009) I  will implement UDL to create a stimulating environment where students are working to their full potential while connecting to content information. I will give students more options to learn key concepts because it is important that students demonstrate their knowledge and skills through various methods.  I realize that students will have different interests, talents, and academics level so it is the teacher’s responsibility to provide students with multiple learning tools that will enhance their knowledge.

In summary, I have been introduced to a wealth of information that will help me improve both personally and professionally. I have collaborated and share ideas, thoughts, and strategies with educators globally. This dialogue has been very pivotal because I was able to gain knowledge from expert educators on strategies that they will be implemented into  my instructions to help students improve in areas that they find challenging while providing strategies to stretch student’s learning. I understand how students learn best, what tools to implement to assist with learning the process, how to implement a variety of learning tools so that all students will retain and apply the knowledge taught in class. I realize that I must constantly stay abreast of new methodology, pedagogy and technology advances so that I will prepare my students  to become successful 21^st century learners.

References

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach.  (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

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

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Brain Research and Universal Design for Learning [Motion picture]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.