Week 8 Reflection For EDUC - 6714I

One size does not fit all! This is a statement that could not be more true when it comes to education and instruction in the classroom.This course has allowed me to further discover ways in which I can modify my instruction for diverse learners by using technology and an array of resources. Technology is a vital tool when UDL and Differentiated Instruction methods. By using technology in the classroom students are more engaged because these tools help get them motivated and relate learning material to something they are interested in...technology! Technology also provides a different way for students to view and process information. This is key to providing differentiated instruction.

I have taken the opportunity to review the resources posted by my classmates on our Ning social networking website and have found many of them to be very helpful in planning for next year. I have taught kindergarten for the last four years but will be moving up to teach third or fourth graders next year so having these resources available to me is so incredibly helpful especially as I plan for this new group of students. I really like the idea of using DOTS for differentiated instruction. In addition, I would like to try jigsawing as well. I am grateful to my classmates who posted such great resources and I really like having this social networking page to refer to for ideas! I will definitely need the help next year!

I am really fortunate to have a Smartboard, document camera and a few additional technology resources at my school and in the classroom I will be moving to. I had these tools in my kindergarten classroom as well so I was able to at least expose my young students to such technology. I am really looking forward to trying these new resources with students who can create things on their own and really take off with their learning. I am excited to introduce my new students to these resources and then just facilitate an environment where they can lead the way!