EDLD 5364 Teaching with Technology introduced me the concept of UDL (Universal Design for Learning). This was my first introduction into how we learn and how the brain works. Reading about how the brain processes information helped me process the brain research we were presented with during Thinking Map Training on the campus where I teach. Removing barriers for success played a role in changing my mindset about what skills I should expect students to exhibit in my class. According to Rose & Meyer "Knowing the instructional goal is essential for determining when to provide support and when to provide resistance and challenge" (2002, para. 11).
Working in the group was a good learning experience because it helped me see other people’s views and opinions on what clear goals were and how to best provide individualized instructions. I was extremely concerned when I read the syllabus and found out that the entire class was based on a group project. I was happy when someone created a wiki for us to all sign up for groups. It took about two weeks for our group to really start to collaborate as a group. On week three we used Google chat and Google docs to collaborate. The night we finalized the project it was the best experience I have ever had working in a group. Every group member contributed to the final product based on their strengths and ability. Because of my experience in Teaching with Technology I now use Google docs and Google chat for collaboration.
My new found confidence in collaboration and the knowledge I gained about barriers to success put me on a path towards improving the learning experiences I design for my students. It has taken me about three attempts to create a successful environment for collaboration in my classroom, the computer lab. I continuously reflect on weather my goals are clear, if I am properly individualizing instruction, and if I am using different methods of assessment. Individualizing instructions and removing barriers to success for all my students regardless of level of ability. I continue to seek new ways online and by collaborating with other teachers to remove barriers to the success of my students.
References
Rose, D., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age: Universal Design for Learning. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Retrieved from, http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/