Week+Two

This week our learning covered an overview of the Impact of Educational Technology on Student Acheivement, learning about UDL and [|CAST] as well as further reading in "Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works" and The study by Micheal S. Page that showed the impact of technology on students of low SES.

The "Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works" chapter 1 focused on what technology tools could best be used to help teachers help students create and develop learning goals and objectives. It went over using WORD and Inspiration and Kidspiration to create a KWHL chart that could help students create learning goals. It also went over how to use surveys to "activate and access your student's prior subject knowledge." Using the web for Rubric creation and using communication software such as blogs and email can also assist teachers in helping students to set learning goals. I found these suggests very practicle and easily do-able for teachers. I can see how using technology in these ways to help set objectives and goals are good examples of using technology seamlessly and in a meaningful way to enhance the learning process.

I found the readings and videos on UDL very intriguing. I even set up an account on the CAST site and navigated the material in the UDL mode, using the navigation features. I liked the ability to take notes on the page and click on links for further information. I found it very "hyper-media" rich with the video embedded. I also realy liked the "read and reflect" piece built right in. I did not need to use the translator but I thought this was a nice feature as well. Using the UDL mode to learn the material was a rich experience. I think learning in this manner is where education is heading. The differentiation is built directly into the lesson. Students can pick and choose the pieces they need and all can participate because they are given the support they need at their own pace..