Final Blog Post EDUC 6714

Well, I'm just about done with another Master's Degree class. Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through Technology has taught me that I can use technology in a way which all of my students can be successful. I learned about the Universal Design for Learning which is basically creating a classroom environment in which all students, regardless of readiness, interests, and learning profiles can learn.

It was fun to interact with my colleagues on a social network. I have never had a social networking site, but my Ning experience turned out to be a positive one. I had a chat with a few classmates where we shared resources that we use in our classrooms to enhance student learning. I will use these tools to implement a classroom in which more of my students can be successful.

I have made some adjustments to my classroom already. One that I am most excited about is differentiating assessment. My students now may choose how they want to demonstrate their learning. My sociology students used to have to write a research project and submit it as a Word document. Now they can use PowerPoint, Prezi, a podcast, or vodcast to present their findings. My students appreciate the options and so far, the students are taking advantage of these new technology tools.

Using technology to differentiate instruction is a valuable tool for teachers. It is now up to us as students of this technology to implement the principles of UDL and Differentiated Instruction in our classrooms and share this new found knowledge with our peers.

Rob Winner
EDUC 6714