Focus Question: What are differentiated instruction (DI) and
universal design for learning (UDL)?
Differentiated
instruction and universal design for learning are frameworks that aid teachers
in adjusting their curriculum to a more personalized way to meet each
individual students needs. DI and UDL are often used in designing ways to meet
the needs of students with special needs, gifted students, and English language
learners. These techniques are designed to benefit every student by activating
his or her unique potential. A common technique used in DI is grouping students
based on students have similar learning styles. For example, one group will
work with the teacher, another on computers, and the last one on a more hands
on group exercise. At the end of the class, students from each different group
will share what they learned with the rest of the class. This seems like a good
way to achieve academic success. However my only concern would be that in life
things will not always be presented in the way that the particular student
learns best, and therefore it is important that each student practices
different learning methods to aid in developing a better understanding of
lessons presented in different styles. UDL encourages full participation and
access for students with disabilities while also providing options for all
other students. The main goal of UDL is to create teaching situation that
benefit the widest range of students. Fore example, a teacher may go over vocab
words aloud, and also have them on a PowerPoint behind her, so that a student
with hearing disabilities can read the vocabulary words and definitions.
Students who do not have hearing disabilities may also benefit from a
PowerPoint, such as visual learners.
Tech Tool: Jim Martindale’s Calculators
On-line Center
The Jim Martindale’s Calculators On-line Center is a tech tool focused on middle and high school students. This
website provides links to more than 22,00 calculation programs. These
calculators usage range from regular calculators used for middle school math
courses, to advanced high school math, and even to calculating the speed of a
dinosaur or the capacities of an iPod. The layout and background of the website
makes it clear that it is meant for older students. It is plain and not very
colorful. It is an easy website to navigate. The calculators are organized in
columns based on the subject they are useful for.
Summary: Chapter 10- Promoting
Success for All Students through Technology
Photo credit to: Massachusetts Education
This chapter discusses ways in
which educators can aid students into achieving academic success through using
technology. The chapter begins by describing differentiated instruction and
universal design for learning. These two ideas support that students benefit
from a varied range of educational experiences that can target his or her own
specific learning styles and talents. Next, universally designed classrooms are
discussed. This involves changing the way the curriculum is enforced. The
chapter discusses the ways in which assistive technologies can help the teacher
reach every student’s academic needs. I strongly agree with everything this
chapter has discussed. It is important that we consider every students needs. As
long as the curriculum is being met, it is okay to experiment different ways of
teaching in order to ensure that every student is being taught to his or her
best advantage.
Good images to enhance your writing and great hyperlinking! :) You added dimension to this post by sharing your opinion - good job. The idea of UDL really does make sense, but as always you need to evaluate how it works in the classroom on a regular basis and 'tweak' as needed.
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