Julie

Julie DeLeonibus

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Question: // At the core of UDL is the premise that often the curriculum // // (materials, methods, goals, assessments) that we are assigned to teach is disabled (and disabling!). It is not flexible; it often poses barriers, and consequently prevents rather than supports optimal learning experiences. Do you agree or disagree with this view? Why or why not? //

I believe that our curriculum can pose barriers for our students and prevent them from reaching their highest potential. Due to the fast pace of our curriculum, students often are not given enough time for practice and application of the skills learned for the teaching and learning to be effective. It seems as if we touch on a concept and then the next day we are moving onto something else. We are unable to reinforce the skills so that a deeper level of understanding is grasped by our students. The methods and materials often lend themselves to one type of learner, not reaching the diversity of the students in our class. I also find that the readability levels can be inappropriate for my students. Goals can be unrealistic for some of our students who need additional support and modifications causing them to become frustrated and feel inadequate. The assessments that we give do not allow the individual learners to demonstrate understanding due to the fact that we are always giving the same type of assessments such as, benchmark and county assessments. We need to allow each student the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge in the way that best suits their learning style or preference. We as teachers face many barriers and the students in return are facing even greater barriers.

Julie DeLeonibus Menu Assignment 3-17-12

**__Appetizer__****: Lesson Builder videos** •**//Diversity of Learners//** - discusses how educators must respond to the individual difference among our students. There needs to be alternative methods for teaching in order to reach the diversity of learners in our classrooms.

•**//Universal Design and Universal Design for Learning//** - discusses how UDL mirrors the architecture and products development. Educators must build in features that will benefit everyone by using technology. We must have goals, methods, materials and assessments that will allow all students to be successful.

•**//The Brain Research//** – discusses how each child learns differently. It talks about the three brain networks. The recognition network which is how we gather information and facts, it is the “what” of learning. Strategic networks have to do with planning and performing tasks, it is the “how” of learning and the affective network is keeping students engaged and motivated, the “why” of learning.

•**//Principles of Universal Design for Learning//** – discusses allowing students multiple means of acquiring information, different ways to demonstrate knowledge learned, and multiple means of engagement by tapping into their preferred learning styles and interests.

All of the information from the videos have valuable information which we must think about before setting goals, planning lessons, choosing material and assessing our students. We need to think about what we can do to benefit everyone.

**__Main Entrée__**: **Podcast: //Synthesizing Differentiated Instruction and Universal Design for Learning.//** This podcast discussed how differentiated instruction and Universal Design for Learning work hand in hand. UDL compliments DI by providing a curriculum that meets the needs of all students through the use of technology. Brain research shows that everyone uses recognition network, strategic networks, and affective networks during learning. By using material that supports students’ learning preferences they begin to recognize how they learn. The use of technology allows teachers to engaged students and keep them motivated during learning. Technology provides challenges and novelty. This podcast discussed multiple means of instructional methods and materials to present content such as on-line text, podcasts, videos, interactive on-line games and activities. It also explored how assessments can be done on blogs, wiki spaces, and on-line discussions to show mastery of skills in diverse ways. Universal Design for Learning provides a curriculum that meets the needs of all students by accessing the tools and materials that supports their individual needs. This podcast was informative and I will use the interactive games and videos for instruction and review.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**__Dessert__**: **Matt Bergman’s blog/site** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**__Weekly Reader__** explores world news and current events. It has articles regarding the political races, meeting authors, science discoveries, and historical news for kids. It is engaging and easy to read with pleasing visuals as well as audios and videos to engage students. I already use the on-line digital version while each student has a paper copy of the weekly Reader in front of them. It is very engaging and the videos are wonderful. My students love it!

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**__Read-Write-Think__** is a great web site that includes interactive games, by using step by step writing activities. It can be used to teach organizing, summarizing, comprehension and critical thinking skills. Great on line literacy web site. It had some very creative ways to enhance writing. I liked the poetry ideas and activities for young children.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**__Khan Academy__** provides teaching videos in almost any subject area. Topics range from arithmetic to physics, finance, and history. The teacher guides you through the lesson step by step through use of audio and visuals. This is an amazing site that takes you through a process using a step by step explanation and demonstration of the concept being taught. I will definitely use this. It would be particularly good for middle and high school content.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**__Reflection #4__** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**//What barriers are inherent in traditional assessments? What are the challenges in offering varied options for assessment?//**

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Some of the barriers in traditional assessment are that we are providing only one way for students to demonstrate their knowledge, knowing that there are wide ranges of diversity among our students. If the student is not a writer or a reader they will struggle with communicating their ideas and comprehending what is being asked. Some challenges in offering varied options for assessments are the restrictions within our curriculum, such as county assessments, MSA, and being able to have the measurable data to show progress. The pacing of the curriculum often does not give our student the time needed to grasp concepts or allow them the time to demonstrate what they’ve learned. Getting colleagues on board to change their thinking about learning can also present a problem.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**//Reflection #5//** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**//Given the realities of our modern age and the demands of our children’s future, is it really okay to allow teachers to choose whether or not they incorporate modern technologies into their instruction?//**

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Technology is imperative in today’s classroom. Students are beginning to use technology at a very early age. If educators do not keep up with the advancements made in technology our students will begin to tune us out. However, there must be a balance between the use of technology and incorporating the many different styles of learning. Students should not rely solely on technology for all learning. Technology should be used to enhance learning not replace it. My only fear is that the use of technology will limit discussions, communication skills, and creativity among our students. Teacher must grow and learn in technology to keep up with the demands of the future to enrich our students learning experiences.