Throughout this course I have been able to take an in depth look into Universal Design of Learning and Differntiated Instruction. Through these researches, peer discussions and applications I have not only been able to understand the principles and concepts of UDL and DI but I am now able to take a proactive approach to engaging all learners in my lessons and units.
Using social networking sites to create a Differentiation Station has given me a place to compile resources as well as collaborate with those of my peers. With these technology applications based on the principles of UDL and DI I feel very confident in my efforts to make learning unique based on individual learning profiles, styles and preferences. I have found new ways of using old reliable resources as well as new ones to expand my lessons and give students multiple means of instruction, presentation and motivation.
I have already gotten postivie feedback from my research with the implementation of Lesson Checker and Lesson Builder from the CAST website. With the application of the Lesson checker to reinvent an old unit based on the Tic-Tac-Toe Mulitiple Intelligence board for DI, I have seen my students take a personal interest and ownership over the learning in the “What’s Mood got to do with it? “ lesson. In this lesson my students were able to use a wide variety of technologies including Odosketch, Classchatter, Read Write Think, Microsoft Publisher, Survey Monkey and Audacity to exlore and demonstrate a common goal. With this lesson students are encourages to find a learning style that suits them best and explore other options while communicating with their peers.
I feel the biggest concept one could take from Universal Design of Learning and Differentiated Instruction Application is that it does not translate into more work for teachers it translates into better more effective teaching strategies for the benefit of each individual learner. I look forward to my continued implementation of UDL and DI and reaching and engaging all learners.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009b). Program Twenty. Reflection [Motion Picture]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.
WALDEN6714 Google Groups . (2010, September 18).Google Groups . Retrieved October 29, 2010, from http://groups.google.com/group/walden-6714
