Teaching with Technology

I have entered a new dimension of learning in my second class. My primary focus for the past three weeks has been to learn about UDL, or Universal Design for Learning. Within this concept, I have learned that many of the beliefs I have in teaching fall into the UDL teaching method. In UDL, learning is more individualized to support the three networks of the brain (recognition, strategic, and affective). All of this information comes from the CAST website where we have explored book building and lesson building. Using the CAST UDL lesson builder was an interesting experience. It requires the writer to think very detailed in writing a lesson in order to make sure that a variety of needs can be met within the lesson. I haven't been this detailed in my lesson writing since some of my college classes, but I liked how it made me think of the needs of all the students I work with, not just the majority of the group. In addition to the lesson builder, CAST also offers a UDL Self Check you can use on your lesson to see if you have integrated support for all three networks into your lesson. This was a good tool for me to use and reflect on the way I put lessons together. These are definitely tools that I will be sharing with other teachers!

Technology and You

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Welcome

The first domain of the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology focuses on teaching and learning. Included in this domain is the need for technology rich content, communication with peers and experts on content, access to online resources, and distance and online learning.
I have seen much growth in this area in the past few years. Teachers began enriching content by using PowerPoint rather than a textbook for instruction and it has grown to seeing classes interact with experts via video conferencing and blogs. The transformation is astounding!
Many educators are making small steps in the right direction, however these small steps won't catch us up to the need of the 21st century learner. With children having access to the Internet, computer-based learning programs, and other technology-based learning products (like Leapfrog, Hooked on Phonics, V-tech, and even Nintendo) before they even set foot in a classroom, a traditional or mildly integrated classroom setting can hinder the progress already made.
In order to improve teaching and learning, teachers must be willing to break away from the traditional "this is the way I was taught and I'm doing okay" style of teaching and learn ways to incorporate our modern conveniences to the application of the content they teach. Many districts across the state are rising to this challenge and offering training to help teachers learn ways to integrate technology, but it is up to us as educators to invest the time to create a future our students can excel in.