Week 8 - Differentiation Reflection

During this class, I was part of a group that shared resources for differentiation and UDL on a social networking site. The resources that were shared were very helpful. Some of the sites that were shared I will use as I implement technology within my classroom to differentiate content. The sites have many useful ideas and technology strategies that are shared to help in planning lessons so that each students strengths in learning can be used to help them achieve success within the classroom. Some of the resources will be helpful in using technology to help remediate students who need extra help in learning and applying the content of my class. One resource from google books "Fair isn't always equal" has already been very helpful in using technology to assess the students through differentiation. www.lmsd.org is another resource that had good project based ideas for assessing students.

Some adjustments that I am making in my classroom due to what we have learned about UDL and DI and using technology is to use more technology in the presentation of the content so that all students will have an equal or fair opportunity to learn and understand the content in a manner that fits their learning style. To do this I have started using PowerPoint, the smart board, and Interwrite to present new content material. After all material has been presented, I am adding activities in Word, Publisher, and VoiceThread as well as PowerPoint to allow the students to practice and apply what they are learning. During this, I observe to allow students who need remediation access to remedial software and students who are advanced an opportunity to use technology to expand their learning. I have also made my final assessment of material learned in a unit a two part process now. There is a test and then there is a project where I allow multiple technology options to the students such as creating a PowerPoint presentation or an e-book to demonstrate their ability to use what they have learned. One thing that I have already observed as I have implemented this is that the students are more eager to do their projects and that I am observing more success as the students are able to choose what is within their learning styles.