Week 8 Reflection

I learning activity I created for weeks seven and eight integrated the use of the MUVE Second Life. I have taken what I learned in the course thus far to design a learning activity in which students will engage in creating a portion of a sim to represent the occupation they are choosing to reseach for their career unit. Students will explore SL as they learn the functions in the environment like how to navigate and build. They will learn to communicate with one another in instant messages and in local or private group chats. In doing so students are using technology in a meaningful and effective manner, they are practicing collaboration and communication skills necessary to be successful in the 21st century job place. It is crucial that student be led through step by step to introduce them into this virtual world. I will guide students through creating their avatars and learning basic functions.

I will read my technology journals, attend technology conferences, work collaboratively with my co-workers, and share my learning with others in order to keep up on emerging technology. In working closely with the technology specialist, I hope to be involved when they are trying new hardware or software. I am also serving on the school technology committee. I will be aware of possible grants so that I may help to bring technology to our school. I will attend training so that I may use technology effectively in my own classroom and share that knowledge with others. In integrating technology into my classroom I hope to engage the students in memorable learning experiences. In these learning experiences students will be actively using and sharing new technology. As students are engaged in completing authentic learning activities, they practice communication and collaboration skills. Students take ownership in their assignments and work diligently to complete them. As students are engaged in learning through multiple modes of emerging technology, grades will rise as a result of engagement in learning. This will result in students being and feeling successful in their education.

WEEK 8 - REFLECTION

I have found throughout the course that I have been using UDL and DI to a degree. I still believe that there is much work and effort into implementing it fully in the classroom. I believe that the integration of technology helps to differentiate instruction and provide instuction and practice for students in ways that are most meaningful to them. There are many resources provided in the differentiation station that I may not have looked for or found on my own. I find that sharing resources with other teachers has become a great way to provide better instruction and implementing new ideas in the classroom. I believe that getting to know the students and their preferred learning styles and assessments. The resources available are endless and provide many opportunities to teach students using multiple modes of instruction.

I plan to integrate the use of technology on a regular basis, whether it be the Mimio Board or use of mobile labs. I may also make better use of the computers in my classroom by integrating them into station work. I have been offering students multiple options for assessment. I will be more aware to offer various modes of learning the concept also. I need to take my time and plan lessons carefully so that I am meeting the needs of all students and not just a select few. At the beginning of the school year I need to prepare surveys that allow me to become familiar with the specific needs of my students. I will also take the time to talk individually with students to learn preferences and interests that I may be able to use to engage them in learning experiences.