Assessing for Learning - Reflection

Throughout this course I have learned how to assess my students learning needs and about the framework for the Universal Design for Learning. I have learned about Differentiated Instruction that focuses on content, process, and product. I have also learned how to differentiate instruction based on readiness, interest, and learning profile. As this class draws to a close, I feel that I have learned valuable information and have a better understanding of how I can differentiate instruction to meet the needs of my diverse learners.

After participating in Differentiated Social Networks, I have gained resources, tools, and techniques from my classmates and professor that I am excited to implement in my own classroom. These resources will help me differentiate my instruction and plan lessons that allow students to meet one goal in a variety of ways. This will help engage students in the learning process and provide each student with the opportunity to be successful.

I plan on organizing the resources I have gained during this course through www.livebinders.com this summer. I also plan on implementing glogs and voicethreads into my classroom next year. I think voicethreads will be extremely helpful for students who struggle with putting their thoughts into writing. Glogs can be a great way for students to present knowledge by allowing them to present information in a variety of different ways.

I have also learned a variety of ways to differentiate my instruction. I had a general knowledge of what differntiate instruction entailed, but after taking this course I feel I have a better understanding. I also have learned that differentiaitng my instruction does not have to be extremely difficult or take hours to plan. Technology is a great tool to use when differentiating instruction and I plan on using the many resources I have gained through this course to help meet the needs of my diverse learners.

Overall, I can honestly say this has been the most beneficial technology class I have taken through Walden University. I am excited to implement what I have learned in my classroom next year. I understand that this is a process that will develop overtime, but I am excited to make steps towards creating an environment that allows all students to find success in the classroom. I plan on keeping in touch will my fellow classmates and taking more technology classes to help ensure that I am doing as much as I can to meet the needs of my diverse learners.

Reflection

This technology course has helped me to develop my own technology skills by teaching me how to create and incorporate blogs, wikis, and podcasts into my classroom. The discussions and resources helped provide me with ideas and taught me how to help prepare my students for the 21st century. This course helped me develop skills that I can take back to my classroom and teach my students. This course has taught me how to use technology to help engage my students in the learning process, meet state standards, and help prepare them for life after high school.



I can continue to expand my knowledge of technology integration with the aim of increasing student achievement by continuing to take classes through Walden University and taking classes offered through my school district. I plan on using the internet and researching how other teachers are finding success through technology. I will need to continue trial and error and see how the use of technology and which types of technology help improve student achievement. Technology is constantly changing, so it is important that I keep up with the latest information, so I can find ways to incorporate and prepare my students for success in the 21st century.



One long term goal I have for myself is to incorporate blogs into my classroom. I plan on accomplishing this by doing a little at time. I want to first introduce my students to blogs and use them for a few assignments. I want to eventually have weekly discussions through blogs. Another goal I have for myself is to have my students work together on a Wiki space. I would like to create a website for Read 180 that includes materials, books, and other information that can help them be successful. I plan on accomplishing this goal by setting up one section at a time and assigning my students specific tasks. We can work on improving it and adding to the Wiki every year.

Technology Podcast

I recently had a discussion with my Read 180 class about their use of technology. Click on the following link to listen to my podcast summarizing my findings.

Thoughts on Partnership for 21st Century Skills

I spent some time looking over the Parnership for 21st Century Skills (www.p21.org) and I found it very interesting. I clicked on Ohio's link and read, which is referred to as Route 21. I think the idea behind it is beneficial to students. I remember hearing and learning a little about P21 when I was working towards earning my bachelor's degree, but I had never visited the website. I think the concept is a smart idea and find that even though P21 is rarely mentioned in my school district, we are expected to fuse our academics with the 4 C's (critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativty/innovation). We as educators must help students close the gap between the classroom and real worldby preparing students by aligning the two enviroments. Educators are expected to this by fusing the 3 R's and 4 C's together. For educators, this means creating lessons that hit the content standards, but also teach the students real world skills. This calls upon teachers to be creative in their lesson planning. After visiting the website, I was suprised by all the resources and online tools provided. This could be very beneficial, but also time consuming for teachers to look through and find different activities that they could use in their classrooms.

I am a high school special education teacher. I am currently teaching a high school Read180 class. I teach a wide variety of students including autism, learning disabilities, and emotionally disturbed children.

I would like to use a blog in my classroom as a common place to hold a book discussion. The blogs purpose would be a place for students to ask/answer each others questions, aid in comprehension, and a common place to make comments/connections. I would lead the discussion by asking the students to make an initial post answering my question(s) regarding the novel we are reading as a class. I would then require the students to respond to s specific number of posts made by their peers. The blog would act as a tool for me to assess their understanding of the book and grade their participation. It would also be a wonderful way for the students to work on their typing, writing, and editing skills.

The use of a blog would be a more interactive and engaging way for students to interact and answer comprehension questions. I think my students would enjoy typing their responses and having a discussion with their classmate using the Internet. It is a great way to keep the classroom discussion going outside of the classroom setting.