EDLD+5364+Week+3+-+Reflection

For the past weeks, this course has focused on learner-centered classrooms, blogs, using the UDL Lesson website, the three brain networks, and creating an eBook where academic lessons have to be adjusted for both content and methods that are appropriate for the diverse learners. Teachers have to be skillful in adjusting their teaching styles, instructions as well as using a variety of tools to meet the needs of all students. It is essential that teachers start using various instructional techniques that can capture different senses. I believe that varied instructions enable all learners to successfully understand the new skills and ideas being taught. Therefore, it is imperative that teachers know their auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners and use verbal instruction, visuals, and real life experience in their lessons, discussions, and activities in order to meet the needs of all students.

As we prepare for the 21st Century, I have noticed that more technology is currently being introduced into the educational curriculum. Teachers, if you have computers in your classrooms, please use them. Some students have access to computers at home while many do not. Students need to be able to access, communicate, research, evaluate and use information to problem solve. Student should be able to have access and use a variety of multimedia resources for many projects and assignments. In order for students to be 21st Century Learners, students need to be able to recall, analyze, compare, use inference and be able to evaluate their outcomes. Student assessment will give teachers and student immediate feedback related to the lessons and tasks given. Therefore, teachers are responsible for teaching all diverse learners. If they prepare and plan using a UDL format and integrate technology into their lessons and include the three brain networks students will be successful learners.

I have not seen any classrooms in my school using a classroom blog, but I think it would be an incredible tool for fourth grade writing. Teachers could use a class blog as a discussion for students to communicate and express opinions and ideas, sample writings, and helpful information for their peers. Blogs can also be use as a tutoring tool for teachers to share information and sample assignments with students since most students have Internet access at home. Teachers could post websites, resources and other useful links. The blog could also be used to send messages and feedback to students regarding assignments, assessments, writing samples or homework. I agree with using a classroom blog because it can provide students access to class material, as well as, read comments from their teacher and peers.

As a part of this week’s assignment, I had to create an eBook using a free website for teachers and students, []. I found the website to be extremely entertaining, interesting, easy to navigate through, and informative. I experienced a few challenges in the beginning but was easily able to figure out the features and fix the problems with the help button. It was surprisingly easy to create pages, add pages to the table of content, and select the template design for the pages. It was fascinating how it allowed the creator to add any HTML, audio, and images to the content. The coach feature was my favorite because it has a built-in speech to text and the creator can select an academic coach for the sound recorder. I believe that if teachers start using this tool in the classrooms, it would help to keep the students engaged. It can also be used for the diverse learners as well as allowing additional time on classroom and homework assignments. This was my first time using this website and creating an eBook, and look forward to sharing this with my students and coworkers.

I found the information on the CAST website[| http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/] to be extremely helpful and informative. It shows several ways that teachers can use it for differentiating instructions for all learners. It also can be a great resource tools for teachers to help them meet the needs of all their students. It had useful information for teachers and administrators. It demonstrated the importance of integrating technology in the classrooms. It had lessons showing how to address individual student's educational levels and differences in order for them to be successful learners.