The Differentiation Station social network project has been an eye opener for me on collaboration. I have found yet one more way to incorporate technology and collaboration with my peers that I can utilize in my classroom. Our group utilized Google Groups, which I found was a very simple application to use. It was very easy to sign on and see the new posts from the other group members. The resources my group members found and posted will come in handy when implementing the principles of Universal Design for Learning and Differentiated Instruction.
Resources such as www.prezi.com and www.mywebspiration.com will allow me to differentiate instruction for my students. These were posted by group member Amanda. Prezi is an online presentation generator and Webspiration is an online concept map application. The presentation generator will give students another option for presenting the material they learn. Webspiration can be used in DI, however, fits better with Universal Design for Learning. Concept mapping software such as this allows students to utilize words and pictures to illustrate content. This allows all students to present their information in the way that they feel most comfortable. Another group member posted www.surveymonkey.com. Utilizing surveys in the classroom fits well into DI and UDL because as an educator I can focus on the students' learning profiles, interest, and learning styles. In doing this I can separate students into learning groups and give them assignments that fit the criteria of their learning style and interests. Differentiating instruction in this manner is great because there is less focus on ability level and more focus on how the student learns. Instead of focusing on weaknesses, I would focus on strengths of each student.
Some immediate adjustments that I am making to my instructional practice regarding the use of technology integration to customize instruction as a result of learning from this course is allowing students options for assessment and assignment completion that includes technology in some way. I allow students to utilize word processing software, online websites, and presentation software when completing assignments. I have found alternative assessments such as STAR Reading and STAR Math in diagnosing students' ability levels. I also utilize my interactive whiteboard on a daily basis. Through this interactive whiteboard, students get a chance to interact with the content in a manner that is not possible with just a textbook and notebook. We can access the Internet if need be to look up more information on the subject we are studying. We can also manipulate shapes, numbers, words, and other concepts with ease. Teaching math and science with an interactive whiteboard lends a world of possibilities to the students, as well as myself! I am planning on doing an online collaboration project with my students and another classroom in the area. This is in the beginning stages, but my hopes are to complete this by the middle of the school year and have the students begin the project at that time.
The world of technology is constantly expanding. I want to make the most of the opportunities. I want my students to have options in completing tasks and assignments so that they get the most out of their learning. My goal is to continue on the path that I am going and continue to put the needs of my students first in my planning and instruction.
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