EDUC6714-Reflection

During this course I have had the opportunity to not only learn about the Universal Design for Learning and Differentiated Instruction but to also interact with my peers and explore resources that can be used to implement the principles that were learned. Using the Universal Design for Learning will allow me to meet the needs of all students and utilize technology to reach their diverse needs. Through the Differentiation Station social network I was able to explore the latest educational technology and develop lessons based on current research and new technology. Many of the sites available support learning, collaboration and concept reinforcement. Both students and teachers can benefit from the new technologies that are available. While sharing with my group members on our Differentiation Station social network I felt better connected to the course because my partners and I had the same goals and objectives. As each week progressed I learned more about my group and it became to easier to grasp concepts after our continued collaboration.

One immediate adjustment that I plan to make to my instructional practice regarding the use of technology integration is implementation of learning styles survey for all learners. It is beneficial to know the learning styles of all learners and adjust instructional methods so that visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners are engaged in instruction. As a teacher it is my responsibility to learn about emerging technologies that can benefit my students. I have learned that the use of technology is of great benefit to me and improves my performance in the classroom with my students.

Another adjustment that I plan to make is one of self-improvement that I realized during this course. As a veteran teacher it is easy to get complacent and get routines in teaching. This course not only introduced me to new resources but also inspired me to be more creative because of the access to technology. I began to change the way that I create my lessons during this course and I plan to differentiate instruction and integrate technology in all my lessons.