EDLD+5364+Teaching+with+Technology+Week+2+Reflection

Week 2 Reflection: This week we learned about Universal Design Learning, which consists of different approaches to teaching the same subject using diverse methods. Research points to the fact that each student learns differently and has individual needs that are unique to that student. One tool that we can use to differentiate instruction is digital media in the classroom. “Research shows that digital media is a versatile tool”. Rose, D & Meyer, A. (2002) Chapter 4 provides examples on how a teacher was able to download the digital version of a book. Students could choose to customize by enlarging the font, use screen reader software to read the text aloud, or even display the text through a Braille device. This kind of flexibility allows us to reach more of our students in the classroom. Another point that stood out to me was that we need to make sure we define our learning objective and how we use technology with it. If our objectives are not clear, we will not be able to use technology in an effective method to reach our goal. I clearly believe we need to use technology when it is appropriate to enhance learning, thus allowing for the students to differentiate their learning. However, we have to have a road map to make sure we choose the right technology, at the right time, in order to maximize our learning objectives. Rose, D & Meyer, A. (2002). //Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age: Universal Design for Learning//. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Retrieved on March 1, 2011 from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/