UDL

I learned that UDL is a way to make sure that all students learn and are served; from those who traditionally struggle to those that are labeled gifted.      UDL should begin with what the end goals are so that the varied learning paths all lead to the identified goals.   The learning paths will be different for learners but all lead to meeting and even exceeding the communicated outcomes.  

During the lesson, students are exposed to multiple representations; symbolic, pictorial, physical, visual, etc.    Students are then able to choose their learning path and explore a variety of forms for expressing their understandings.    In UDL students are motivated and engaged and the teacher works along as their facilitator.    Students are self directed.   

I will work hard to include more technology, visuals, and hands-on experiences in the classroom.     I also look forward to working with Google Docs and the Voice Comments added for varied feedback.  Google Docs Voice Comments

“Do We Really Need Technology in the Classroom?”

“Do We Really Need Technology in the Classroom?”

Our children need to be able to navigate the current tools available to them.    Technology is being used on a daily basis around the world and is incorporated in all careers.   This is a challenge for teachers as today’s tools were not around when we were born and thus not accustomed to using such tools with lessons.   Instructing and facilitating the use of technology requires continual growth and learning for all; students and teachers.

Teachers’ role changes from instructor of set skills to that of a facilitator of learning.   "Students need to be “self-directed learners, effectively seeking out and using resources to assist them, including teachers, peers, and print and digital reference materials.”  Common Core Standards.  The teaching of skills is short lived.  

Technology connects us to the world.     Learners are engaged, focused as they create, share, and learn at their individual pace.   Learners are engaged through exploration, “play”, and tinkering.  Learners “use technological tools to explore and deepen their understanding of concepts." Common Core Standards.

"If I Ran Our School System"

“If I ran our school system…” I would be sure to have educated myself on 21st century learning, practiced or participated in or demonstrated, and researched what it is that I desire in my employees.    I have only barely educated myself (about 15 hours of reading research and exploring).    Thus, by my own standards, I am comfortable with stating that I need much more education and training before truly understanding and stating what “our school system should be doing”.   

The curriculum would include:    Framework for 21st Century Learning

·       The core subjects, life and career skills, information, media and technology skills, critical thinking and problem solving, communication and collaboration skills, global awareness, financial, economic, business, entrepreneurial, civic, health, and environmental literacy.

The Teachers for 21^st century learning would include a variety of people from around the world to those in front of them.    These people would vary in age and expertise.     
The teacher’s role:

·       Evaluate current student data (Where are my students now?)

o   Learner profiles, Learner tasks using Web 2.0 Tools, eXpress space

·       Plan (What and how do I want my students to learn?)

o   Design (Teachers can collaborate with colleagues and share curricular planning ideas so that they can deliver personalized curriculum.)

o   Search  Ultranet for digital learning resources to support plans

·       Teach (How do I support and monitor my students’ learning?)

o   online and offline, monitor student progress

·       Assess (What evidence of learning have my students demonstrated?)   Assessments inform the next round of teaching and learning continues.

Students would create an online learning portfolio to keep track of their progress throughout their school life.  They would collaborate with students and teachers using wikis, blogs, polls, message boards and many other Web 2.0 tools.   Students could access learning tasks, submit work and receive feedback from teachers as well as access up-to-date, personalized information about their learning.

Assessment:   Steven Pearce has a blog where educators can collaborate on assessments for 21^st century learning.     Assessing for Learning  would be based on how students learn best and be an integral part of lesson design.  The goal for assessing would be to improve student performance and would be ongoing; in the process of learning, as well as at the “end”.   A variety of assessment methods would be used and relate to the goals, standards, and purpose for learning.   Assessments would allow for reflection and continued learning goals.   

Technology:   A tech tips blog is a great way to collaborate.   There are several technologies used in the learning process.   Mobile phones, PDAs, laptops, smart phones, “hybrid” devices, media players, game consoles, and tablets are some of the technology devices used.     There are several sites that users will navigate from these devices:  (There are too many to link but a few that I found that were new to me.) MindMeister , Go2Web20.net, online tools and apps are just a few. 

What can I do to be a visionary leader?

What can I do to be a visionary leader?

1) Visionary Leadership:    It is my hope that my technology skills will increase significantly through this TLA technology training and the additional training via Verizon.     I look forward to finding ways to integrate technology naturally in my classroom, through the meetings that I run and also the meetings that I attend.    I will enjoy having the opportunity to model practical technology skills, especially knowing that “seeing is believing”.   I look forward to conducting my meetings and classroom in ways were technology fits naturally and motivates others to do so as well.    

2)   Digital Age Learning Culture:  I am very excited about learner-centered classrooms using technology.    The technology will motivate students as it allows for all the areas of interests to be explored and also allow all learners to grow at their individual levels.   Students will learn to be resourceful and successful with inquiry learning that leads to risk taking, problem solving, understanding, and growth.  

3)  Excellence in Professional Practice:    I have already begun modeling collaboration among the staff currently using technology to some degree by forwarding helpful sites, setting up meetings to discuss how technology is being and can be used, and forwarding helpful information from my trainings.  

4) Systemic Improvement: I have the opportunity to serve on interviewing committees.  This would be a great place to start when trying to bring in personnel with integrated and creative classroom technology skills.

5)  Digital Citizenship:   Promoting and modeling appropriate social interactions related to the use of technology is crucial.      Our district brings in a speaker to talk about how to be safe when using technology.  This is a great start; however, it will be up to each individual staff member to allow for discussions around this topic and to also have well established rules and procedures regarding appropriate technology use.     I have and will continue to give parents sites that educate them and their child on how to be safe and smart in the digital age.   I will also take the time to show, discuss, and reflect upon the age appropriate videos provided that help the children connect to and understand the importance of cyber safety.   

Blogs

I am learning!    Imagine that.   It was very helpful to view other educator's BLOGS. 

 I would imagine that a "good blog" would be simple, easy to read and understand & interesting.    A blog that leads a reader to action or a next step would be a great blog.   A blog that invites others to reflection, sharing, use, apply etc...would be powerful.

Blogs would be a great way to enhance our existing school web presence.   Postings about school activities, sports, great things happening, updates, etc.....would help spread the word about all the positive school aspects.  The blogs could be inviting and encourage others to seek the school blogs out for useful, positive, helpful information.

Blogs may indeed be easier for some to publish.

TLA TAL - Getting Started

I hope to learn to feel comfortable with technology and use it fluently.  When and if this happens, I will then be able to find ways to share this new knowledge with my daughters in college and middle school students.