EDLD+5364+Week+2+Reflection

There was a lot of useful and interesting information in week two of Teaching with Technology. I was late purchasing the required text, so I began reading //Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works// this week. One of the most profound passages for me was found in the Introduction in a story to illustrate the positive effect of technology on student learning:

"...During one visit, the superintendent froma neighboring school district turned to one of the students and said, in a very accusatory tone, "So, how is this [the one-to-one laptop computer access really making a difference for you?"

The young man, Casey, looked the superintendent squarely in the eyes and replied, "Sir, I'm special ed, and I've been special ed all my life. But with this thing here," he said, pointing to his laptop computer, "with this, I am just as smart as the next kid." ( Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn and Malenoski, 2007)

Wow! That sums it up so nicely. One anecdote, however, is not enough to support spending millions of dollars required to bring technology to every student. The readings from this week cite research that shows that technology has a positive impact on students' learning, and students' self esteem.

Also, this week, I learned about universal design for learning, or UDL. UDL refers to lessons designed to address the needs of all students. It works on the premise that all students have different needs. Built into lessons are multiple approaches that target different students' levels and learning styles. Technology is key to making UDL work. Using a variety of technological devices and software, teachers and students easily adapt material and assignments as needed.

During the coming weeks, my team and I will target specific technology resources to create a lesson using UDL.

Pitler, H, Hubbell, E.R., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). //Using technology with classroom instruction that works//. Denver: ASCD.