Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is quite a concept that really opens a lot of avenues for educators. As teachers we need to have the viewpoint that every student is going to learn differently. This idea is very important and if not considered by the educator, many students will be lost. I researched this topic several times in my education classes. I feel very strongly that i try will every lesson to implement these ideals. I work with struggling readers that do not like to read or write. Having different ways form them to communicate t they have understood the lesson is key. I have a number of units already set up that they can rely what they have learned by drawing, using computers, singing, creating a PowerPoint or touring a "virtual world" to fully experience the situation. I am continually researching and developing ideas that will reach every student and give them each an outlet to express the knowledge gained.

Assistive Technology Reflection

Assistive Technology is a very interesting and helpful tool. Personally I use it a lot in my class working with students with Emotional Impairments that tend to have a dual diagnosis of a Learning Disorder as well. There was a number of tools that I have used over the years that have been very helpful. Using Inspiration or Kidspiration is a great tool for organizing. I implement it for a number of lessons. Using it for "How a Bill Becomes a Law" really helps students to understand the order the a difficult process. I have one particular student who uses a word predictor software. I can not remember what software exactly, but it does seem to help him quite a bit. We also have Alphasmarts that are used in the English classrooms. I would like to become familiar with them and use them when my students are writing in History as well. We have also used different Text to Speech soft wares such as Browse Aloud, Read Please and the Don Johnston software as well as Nettracker. These are a lifesaver! Giving a student who struggles at reading the ability to gain the same information really empowers the student. I am really excited to learn more about the different webquests the South Carolina web site has. Using WebQuest is a great way for students to get the information. Then using the Text to Speech option gives them the ability to search for information in a narrow search space and not to be overwhelmed. I have used the web site "web tool boxes for educators" before, but I had forgotten about it! It was very useful so I am glad I was reminded and will use it again. A number of the sites I will be exploring and sharing with my teachers!

Tech Specs Reflection

In order to build a computer that can be used now and in the future there were some minimum requirements I had. First a 2.3 megabytes processor, 4 GB memory, a CD writing system, a hard drive large enough to store documents, pictures, and other projects and a large monitor to show students various things. Taking those requirements I found a few upgrades that would allow me room for growth.

First I was able to upgrade to a 2.6 GHz dual core processor. This allows the faster running of multiple programs and processes running simultaneously. There are many times I am running several different programs at one time in the classroom to model to students different concepts. I was able to upgrade to a 22 inch monitor so that students could see what was on the computer screen with out needed a large pull down screen, which my classroom currently does not have access to. Since I was under budget at the time, I decided to upgrade to the wireless keyboard and mouse. This would allow me the option of working further away from my desk for more student interaction, as well as less clutter on my desk. I also thought it was important to have a media card reader in the future to incorporate a digital cameras/video recorder in some of my lessons. This would allow ease in transferring this type of information.

During this process, I learned there are many different options at many different price ranges. In order to get the best bang for your buck, you need to be well educated in order to pick the most appropriate configurations for your needs for the present and the future.