Wiki Spaces Tool Kit - Great for Teachers and Students

While browsing around this website, I actually got majorly sidetracked in the section titled "Multi-Media and Digital Storytelling".  It had some great links to books on tape but even more interesting for me were some of the pre-selected speeches and videos.  I got hooked into a series of lectures by Joann Freeman through Yale's Open Course titled The American Revolution.   I am currently listening to her third lecture (usually when I am cooking dinner :)

This was relevant to me, as this fall I taught about the founding of our nation to 11th graders.  Over 50% of the students had an IEP or 504 plan and I was always seeking engaging ways to hook them into the class and make it accessible.  I recall that great stories often caught their attention.  In a similar fashion, I got engrossed by Joann's scholarly account of the American Revolution as she examined the political thinking of the day as well as the actual fighting.  I hope to incorporate some of her insights and maybe even a little of the video into my classroom.  http://www.learnoutloud.com/Free-Audio-Video/Politics/Political-Philosophy/The-American-Revolution/43888

In terms of how this site can relate to my classes beyond my own gathering of information and transferring it to my students; it also had marvelous links to "Free text to speech" apps and programs.  I know some of my 11th graders struggled with reading not only due to learning differences but also as they were ESL students from Europe and the Middle East.  Finding this site, gave me yet another free and easy resource to bring to their attention.  This will "open" alternative ways to help them learn.

http://udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com/

Case Study Reflection with UDL

While reviewing a summary of what a social studies teacher did to revamp a geography lesson according to UDL, I was struck by how the lesson literally "opened" up in its possibilities.

For example with using UDL, there was no longer the "right" way for the teacher to present the information.  Instead, there was a general concept that demonstrated alternative ways of presenting info (e.g. visuals, reading aloud, filling in a compare/contrast sheet, using a video).

In a similar way, the process of gathering additional information had a variety of modalities including scaffolding the reading, setting up reading groups, and using technology that could read the material aloud to a student. 

Finally, the teacher's lesson emphasized "modeling" specifically by the teacher as a way of how to demonstrate knowledge.  At the same time, she emphasized to her students there were alternate methods of showing mastery of information such as posters, group videos or even a webpage. (http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/casestories/cs1/index.cfm?page_id=11). 



Throughout her lesson process, there was a focus on opening up every piece of the process to accommodate learners.   I enjoyed and was intrigued by the explicit way the lesson demonstrated the pre-UDL and post-UDL steps.  These concrete steps give me ideas to open up my own "classic" lessons.

CAST (2011). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.0. Wakefield, MA: Author.

UDL's 3 Strategic Networks

Universal Design for Learning is a philosophy that uses technology's power and flexibility to create multiple ways of access to instruction for a variety of learners.  It encourages teachers to rethink how to set up learning goals, lesson structure and assessments to meet the diverse needs of their students.  The principles of UDL as presented by the institute CAST encourage teachers:
1. to provide multiple means of representation of information so that the variety of ways that students acquire information are addressed
2. to provide multiple means of expression so that there are alternatives for students to demonstrate what they know.
3. to provide for many means of engagement to tap into the multiple ways to motivate students (http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/window.php?src=videos). 

In other words this philosophy focuses on the Big Three: Representation of Info, Expression of Info and Engagement with Info.  I think broad approach can provide a different framework for me to think about lesson planning.  I am particularly intrigued with the idea of moving into new ways of letting my students demonstrate their mastery of material

CAST (2011). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.0. Wakefield, MA: Author

Introduction

Welcome! 

I love learning; and I believe we all do.  As a teacher, I try and infuse this excitement to my students... hence learning+

My goal for this blog is to reflect upon my instruction and develop additional tools to ensure my students are learning to their maximum potential.  While this is not always possible as life gets complicated for adolescents; finding additional technological tools to enable them to explore, learn and apply information is a worthy journey.

 Technology seems to be developing at a quicker rate than I can keep up with.  Thus, taking time to read about, reflect upon, and master tools that can assist my students is exciting for me.  Though I admit it is also daunting as I rarely use technology as an instructional tool beyond having students search for information and share that information via papers, powerpoints and presentations.

Ready, set, go!