Date Taken: Fall 2011 | Grade: A+ | GPA: 4.0
Highlighted Class Work:
Archive of work from class:
Examples of Practical Use Outside of Class:
Class Readings:
UVM Description:
This course explores ways that technologies can support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students. With an emphasis on differentiating instruction to ensure appropriate educational opportunities for all learners, this course introduces universal design and the use of adaptive and assistive technologies.
ID: EDCI 200 OL1
Instructor: Tim Fox
Syllabus: click here
What? So What? Now What? Reflection Script:
My name is Bjorn Behrendt and this is my course reflection for UVM’s Differentiated Instruction with Technology class I took the Fall of 2011.
The concept behind differentiated instruction is that in addition to lecturing and readings, teachers should seek out video’s, images, and podcasts that can be included with the lesson. Assessment and representation of understanding should also follow a similar format. Instead of the classic test to see how students are doing, teachers should offer alternative ways students can show understanding.
Differentiated instruction often starts with a SPED student who has a physical disability and needs an accommodation like the use of audio books. These alternatives help the particular student but can just as easily be offered to the entire class which would capitalize on their different learning styles.
Students learn in different ways, by designing units that include material in multiple formats it allows a learning option for each learning style. Similarly students having different skills can represent their knowledge in a way that is most comfortable to them.
Throughout my schooling I have kept a focus on professional development strategies. While taking this class I decided to try using a podcast as a way to provide training to teachers. This was the start of my podcast Google Weekly, which is an evolution of the webinars I had tried previously. The audio format for training gives teachers a freedom from having to focus on a screen, and allows them to learn on their own time. This method has really hit a nitch and the podcast has gotten over 10,000 hits in 4 months.
Thank you for listening and have a good day.