EDUC-6714I-5 Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through Technology: Reflection

Over the past eight weeks, I have had the opportunity to learn about Differentiated Instruction, Universal Design for Learning and participate in a Differentiation Station social network group. This course has allowed me to gain a tremendous amount of useful information that can easily be applied to the physical education classroom. I learned that differentiated instruction (DI) is a concept that allows teachers to convey information by using one solid set of goals with different support systems and avenues (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). DI does not require a different plan for each student but rather provides an opportunity for the teacher to find the "zone" of learning for each student. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a strategy that builds in maximum flexibility while providing alternatives so that every child can benefit from a classroom lesson plan (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). UDL builds creativity into curricular materials and provides many options for both the student and teacher.

I have already started to make adjustments to my classroom procedures and lessons based on my new knowledge of DI and UDL. I have increased the amount and variety of technology in my classroom ranging from more opportunities with ActiVotes to utilizing Polar Heart Rate monitors and Nutrition-based computer software. While I have always made a conscious effort to incorporate technology into my classroom, I now understand the benefits that minor adjustments can make based on the specific learning style or learning preference of a student. For example, changing the font size or color of text, offering flexibility with content displays and creating a series of step by step cues for students to follow related to the daily objective.

Regardless of the topic, it is important for me to make an effort to get to know my students and their preferences when it comes to learning. This will allow me to design my lessons to meet the needs of all learners, an provide maximum opportunities to integrate technology into my content area. I plan on using one of the age appropriate surveys in the beginning of the next school year to gain and better understanding of my students' needs and create a spreadsheet using Excel to easily organize student data. This spreadsheet will make planning lessons easier and will allow me to keep track of data and use it from year to year.

I have truly enjoyed this class and feel much more confident in terms of using DI and UDL in my classroom. I recently shared my UDL presentation with our faculty and received a tremendous amount of support and interest is terms of using these concepts in the classroom. We have created a focus group that will meet once a month beginning in March to share ideas related to these topics and begin to discuss ways to improve student learning and technology use. I look forward to leading this group and feel that it will be very beneficial for our school, students, parents and community.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.