Journal 10

November 1, 2013

Chapter 10 Promoting Success for All Students through Technology

Focus Question #1 What are differentiated instruction and universal design for learning?

Differentiated instruction is an approach that gives students different options to learn. They have various ways to take in information and make sense of new ideas. Teachers are able to meet the specific needs of students. Coming into a class, teachers should be prepared and have the tools to be able to help each and every student, no matter how they learn. Designing activities to teach to all learning styles is the key to success for these students. The only downfall is the fact that teachers do not instantly know how to specifically help students in class. Universal design for learning deals with how to serve each student in an educational setting. They think about how the brain works and relates it to learning; they give a chance for students to acquire their information, demonstrate their talent, and let them continue their work by enhancing the work. The purpose is for full participation for students but also offering individual help as well. Schools do not want students to feel better or less than anyone so they want to provide lessons that will not diminish quality for certain students who do need that extra help.  

Tech Tool 10.1

The CC16 Extra-Large Calculator is a bigger-than-normal calculator that invites everyone to use it. It has bigger buttons and is easier to view than most calculators so that students with disabilities can use it as well. It is lightweight and includes the four basic mathematical operations for students to use. As students use calculators more with real objects, they learn how to do mathematical functions without one! It helps them solve real-life problems. Jim Martindale's Calculators On-Line Center provides exciting and interesting problems for students to solve. These online simulations allows students to become more advanced. 

                                                 Photo credit to Youssef Abdelaal on Flickr

Connection and Summary

This chapter provides technology for any teacher, whether they know how to use a computer or not. It also provides ways to help every kind of student. There are low tech, mid tech, and high tech techniques that easily integrate technology into the classroom. There are different programs and software that allow teachers to teach better and assist. Electronic devices such as online dictionaries, calculators, and interactive sites are good ways to get students involved and let them have a chance to learn on their own, as opposed to the teacher just standing in the front of the classroom and lecturing. There are many processes and software that teachers can use when they want to make learning fun and give the students hands-on experience. I like all the information this chapter provides. This chapter helps me know what devices and various technologies are available that I can use to make teaching less boring. Honestly, when a teachers just talks the entire class, I get sleepy and do not pay attention; by using these things within a lesson, students can interact and like being in school. Although students should not depend on these technologies to do their work, people can see it as a very useful learning tool. I think it is amazing that they can be used to help special needs students and are able to help students like them thrive in the classroom. 

Resources 

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.