Sarah Stere’ BlogSarah Stere is a STAR member of the Discovery Educator Network

I have learned a lot throughout this course about Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Differentiated Instruction (DI) and technology integration.  My colleagues have introduced me to many new resources through our Differentiation Station social network.  These resources highlight important information about UDL and DI and will provide encouragement for me as I try to implement these principles and strategies in my classroom.  The resources also offer new ways to integrate technology into my classroom.  I need to look at these resources more in depth and determine which would be most effective for my students.  As Throne and Smith (2009), technology can be a great differentiator for us (Laureate Education).    

Two of my favorite assignments for this course were the UDL project and the VoiceThread about UDL, DI and technology integration.  Because this degree is Integrating Technology in the Classroom, I think it is only fitting that we use technology tools to demonstrate our learning as well.  Creating projects using technology can expose us to new or give us more experience with technology.  I find that this inspires me to use the technology with my students because I have developed a confidence with it and see the possibilities for integration.  I also find that the planning it takes to incorporate the knowledge I want to share and the technology I am using to share it strengthens my understanding of the topic.  I also enjoyed the opportunity to find resources to aid with implementation of UDL, DI and technology integration because they will help me to take further steps to implement them in my classroom.

I am pleased with the amount of technology I use in my classroom at this point.  We use the SMARTBoard daily for a variety of activities.  I use videos from both Discovery Streaming and BrainPOP Jr. to enhance my lessons.  I have 3 student computers that my students frequently use for both literacy and math centers.  Students also use these when they finish work early or if we have indoor recess.  I also sign out our mobile laptop cart so I have more student computers to use.  My students have completed a digital story and VoiceThread so far this year and I have other projects planned in the upcoming months.  We have also participated in a collaborative project through JenuineTech.com. 

Despite the amount of technology integration taking place in my classroom, I feel like I could be offering my students even more.  I discovered a website this year, www.pbskids.org/read which allows for differentiation and a way for me to monitor student progress.  Through research in this class, I have discovered a couple more of these types of websites.  However, I would still like to learn about more of these in all curricular areas for my students.  I would also like to use other technology tools with my students such as WebQuests and virtual field trips.  Because it is challenging for my students to use some of these technology tools independently, I would like to become a little more hands-off and empower them to take more of a role in using technology tools.  This will also allow me to offer my students more options when assessing them as well.

References: 

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). What Is Differentiated Instruction? [Motion picture]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Tomlinson, C. A., Smith, G., & Throne, S.