K12 Online Learning

Here's a link to a VoiceThread I completed for my Walden class EDUC 6715 on K12 Online Learning. Please feel free to leave comments/feedback. Thanks!

http://voicethread.com/share/1881013/

EDUC 6714- Final Reflection

Reflecting on the learning I’ve experienced in EDUC 6714, the Differentiation Station assignment stands out in many ways. The resources our group located will continue to be useful in implementing UDL and DI in the classroom. Not only is it a great tool for me, it is also something that I can share with my colleagues as I “spread the word” on ways to help all students make progress in the general education classroom. The social networking aspect of the assignment helped to ease my fears about upcoming assignments and brainstorm ways to integrate technology therefore benefitting all students.

As I begin to change the way I teach to a more student-centered classroom, the resources my group has located will help me tailor student learning to individual needs. The tools we found will open up a new world of learning for my students allowing them to learn based on their own unique learning preferences.

One way I plan to implement UDL and DI in my classroom includes having students complete learning inventories/surveys to help me better understand my their interests and learning preferences. Having more insight into student likes and dislikes assists me in designing instruction that will keep them engaged and motivated.

Another tool I plan to utilize more in my classroom is the use of a student response system to provide immediate feedback on lessons. Who understands and who doesn’t can be answered very quickly using this system. Small groups can then be created for more individualized lessons to enrich or remediate as necessary.

Finally, allowing students more choice in how they demonstrate their knowledge will be used. When students have multiple ways to express themselves, the likelihood they will be more engaged increases as well as the retention of material increases.

Overall, this course has opened my eyes to the many possibilities for reaching each of my students. Instead of continuing to teach to the whole class, I have learned that providing different opportunities for students to interact with the curriculum may actually make my job easier in the long run. Finding resources to support students may take the most time upfront, however, in the long run the effort will be worthwhile as students are more motivated and more engaged in learning.

Creating a social network with my grade-level colleagues would be a terrific place to begin therefore, lightening the load for all of us. A great way to start this process would be to take a few days over the summer to sit down together and divide the tasks so each of us can focus on one topic and then go back an add to the others as we find time and resources that could also be utilized.

My goal upon finishing this course is to share my knowledge with my principal and colleagues, spearheading an effort to locate resources that will help differentiate instruction for our fourth graders in all subjects, not just reading. If I succeed at that mission, I’d be more than willing to work with other grade levels to develop resources that will help them integrate UDL and DI techniques into their classrooms as well.

Universal Design for Learning Presentation

Here is a presentation I created to explain Universal Design for Learning as part of my Walden graduate class. Any feedback you leave would be appreciated. Thanks!

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/khartranft-804494-final-udl-presentation/