EDLD5364+week+2+update

As I read the articles and text this week, I learned that technology could help me differentiate my instruction so that students can succeed regardless of their socio-economic status, learning abilities, and learning styles. I've always known that setting clear objectives, creating learning contracts, and letting students set their own goals, help to establish a direction for learning. I believe these things are basic and should be done regardless of the amount of technology there is in a classroom. I realized that these crucial practices are much easier to manage when technology is available. In addition, technology can play a vital role in helping teachers to cope with higher state expectations, and greater student diversity. Research has shown that technology use by students that come from a low socio-economic background has a positive effect on learning and test scores. In addition, students with special needs respond remarkably well when technology is integrated into the classroom. At-risk students benefit as well. They are more likely to stay in school when technology is available for them to use. When technology is used correctly alongside good teaching practices, students will have high achievement. If, however, technology use is coupled with poor or inadequate teaching practices, then student achievement will be low.

In order for educators to harness the power that technology has to offer, a Universal Design for Learning has been created. UDL is a framework for instruction that allows teachers to maximize learning for every child. UDL is distributed across three interconnected networks. The "what" network has to do with the recognition and analysis of information. The "how" network pertains to planning and execution, and the "why" network has to do with the effective evaluation of priorities. Teachers that embrace this concept for learning know that students are neither "bright" nor "disabled". They all possess strengths and weaknesses across all three networks. This method requires that information be presented in a variety of formats, and that students have the ability to express their learning in a variety of ways. When this happens, students are more likely to be interested in their learning.

I know that differentiated instruction is the best method to reach all students. The problem is that it is a heavy burden for teachers. We are asked to create an individual lesson plan for each of our students while our class sizes are increased. The Universal Design for Learning can help us to move toward differentiated instruction for all students, and allow us to keep our sanity as well.