Fawcett

Elizabeth Fawcett's page

Learning Style Reflection The Learning Style Survey revealed that I am a visual/verbal learner. This is not surprising to me because I often find myself wanting to physically see the way things are done before I do them. I benefit from illustrations and demonstrations a majority of the time. I like to take notes in class because this allows me to visualize what the teacher said at a later time. Also, when spelling out a word I have to write it down so that I can see if it is spelled right or not. I also rely heavily on flashcards when studying. I am able to memorize what is visually presented on the flash card and then imagine it in my head when taking the test. I make lists notes on a daily basis to provide a visual reminder of what needs to be done. Overall, I think this survey did a good job evaluating the type of learning style that fits me the best.

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Reflection of UDL and CAST Website After completing the learning styles survey, my existing thoughts about the way I learn were reinforced. I was already aware that I am a visual and verbal learner. I thrive on visual examples and explanations. It was not surprising to me that this survey classified me as this type of learner. However, the survey did provide helpful suggestions for methods of studying that I had not thought of previously. It suggested making lists of tasks and placing them around my room. This allows me to visualize what I need to complete and take down each note as the task is finished. It also suggested making flash cards to review for tests and assignments. The flash cards will help me visualize the information that I need to memorize. Overall, I found the CAST website to be extremely helpful. It provides a wide range of information to the viewer in a clear way. The information on the website could be useful to someone who knows very little about UDL or someone who is extremely familiar with the concept. The website explains what CAST does, who CAST is composed of, and what kinds of things the organization offers. There are many resources available to teachers on this website, making it a great place for new teachers to visit. I think that the CAST website could be very helpful to teachers who are planning to utilize UDL in the classroom. The electronic copy of the book about UDL, which is found on the website, provides an in-depth evaluation of how UDL works. This was extremely helpful to me because I could discover what parts of the brain are activated by certain activities. Understanding how student’s brains work could help a teacher plan the best way to develop effective lesson plans. After reading the sections about the brain, I feel confident about providing the best environment for my students. I also liked how the chapters were divided into different sections, which allowed the information to be organized in the clearest way. Each chapter gave real-life examples of ideas that were presented. This gave me the opportunity to visualize the concepts in the real world. These examples will allow me to have an awareness of the things that may be going on within student’s heads. I found the group presentation to be extremely helpful in learning about UDL. By dividing the chapters up into sections, each group was able to really focus on the points being made within their individual chapters. One person would have been overwhelmed by trying to absorb every detail within the book, but as a group it was more achievable. I also enjoyed watching other group’s presentations because I knew that they were sharing the most important points of the chapter. The presentations were not boring because each group devised a creative way to present the ideas. I also found the learning styles survey to be interesting. It was fun to discover what type of learner I was. It was also helpful because the survey results listed study tips that would work well with my learning style. I think it is extremely important to provide differentiated instruction. Not every student within a class will learn in the same way, so it is essential to use multiple teaching methods. It is part of the teacher’s job to find a way to reach all kinds of learners. By providing differentiated instruction to the class, the teacher will insure that his or her students will be getting the best education possible. It would be helpful to see more examples of how teachers implement differentiated instruction and UDL in the classroom. By seeing more examples, I feel that I would have a better understanding of how to include these practices myself. While the website and the electronic book both explain these concepts fully, it is different to actually put them into action.

Assistive Technology After visiting the various websites and viewing the videos on the goals and abilities of Special Education programs, it is clear that there are many individuals dedicated to providing the best education for disabled students. This includes providing funds for inclusion programs, developing the latest and most efficient assistive technology, and educating individuals on the needs of Special Education students. From the resources that I visited, I learned that there are a lot of developments that can make quality education easily accessible for people with disabilities. I was impressed with the technology that is available to help full inclusion be possible. A website that I found particularly helpful was the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services section located on the U.S. Department of Education Website. This section of the website effectively explained the organization’s mission and responsibilities. The main page of this department introduced me to the OSERS in a way that I could understand their goals easily, while still getting the impression that they are reputable. This website would help a perspective teacher understand what it takes to incorporate students with disabilities into the general classroom. Technology is a way for students with diverse learning needs to be given the chance of a quality education. In the video I viewed of Ellen, a young girl with Cerebral Palsy, I was exposed to the concept of technology serving as a means of communication and mobilization. Ellen utilizes assistive technology through two head switches that allow her to enter her thoughts into a computer which plays back what she has inputted. This gives her the ability to communicate with others, something that would not be possible without this technology. Ellen also uses her assistive technology to move her wheelchair. By pressing the head switches, Ellen can maneuver herself around a room. Mobility provides a glimpse of independence for Ellen, which is otherwise unattainable. Technology can allow students with diverse learning needs to achieve many things that they are incapable of doing on their own. This can tremendously increase the quality of education that these students are provided with. In elementary and middle school I was exposed to a person who relied on assistive technology to function in school and in everyday life. My best friend’s sister was legally blind and had a difficult time reading the words on a computer screen. She had to deal with the impact of this disability in many parts of her life. Her blindness prevented her from doing a lot of the things that other children her age got to do, such as playing sports, playing video games, driving, and reading. In school, she struggled with computer activities and reading the chalkboard. When she entered 9th grade, she was given the opportunity to use assistive technology for the first time. She was given a magnifying screen for her computer which increased the size of the text greatly. This allowed her to be able to complete the same activities that the class was doing on the computer and also give her the opportunity to experience the fun that can come along with computer use. Without this screen, she would never have been able to use things such as Microsoft Word, email, or the online games that she grew to love. Assistive technology allowed my best friend’s sister to gain an improved education. From this assignment, I have learned that it is essential for students with diverse learning needs to be given the opportunity to use assistive technology. These technologies can close the gap between students with disabilities and students without disabilities. It is essential for technology to be provided to students with diverse learning needs for the goal of full inclusion to ever be reached. Teachers can use websites for organizations such as the National Center for Assistive Technology and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to learn more about the assistive technology they can incorporate into their classrooms.

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Virtual Field-trip ReflectionOverall, I found the virtual fieldtrip activity to be extremely rewarding. I was able to learn about the industry of 18th and 19th century whaling in a very fun way. This activity stepped outside of conventional lecturing and introduced technological methods of teaching. The videos and interactive websites allowed me to remain interested in the topic and striving to learn more. I found it very refreshing to learn about a topic in a new way that I have not done before. I really liked the interactive websites that allowed me to navigate the website in the way that I chose. I feel that it would be easy to incorporate virtual fieldtrips into the classroom. As a future English teacher, I will be incorporating nonfiction texts into the classroom at many points throughout the school year. A virtual fieldtrip will give me a way to spark interest in the minds of the students about the topic of the nonfiction texts. By learning about the historical context of the text, the students will have a better understanding of colloquialisms and cultures that they come across. Students may even be able to listen to audio recordings of things that they are reading in my class maybe even by the authors themselves. Virtual fieldtrips will be a great way to keep what could be a dull English class exciting for the students.

Digital Story [|My Digital Story]

Final Reflection

Technology provides a means for students with diverse learning needs to be given the chance to receive a fair chance of equal and quality education. It can be used to enhance the classroom environment and make it more exciting for students who find the traditional lecture approach to be boring and uninspiring. As new generations of students enter the classroom it is evident that technology is becoming an increasingly large component of young adult’s lives. Educators must act on this increase in technology if they wish to relate to and captivate their students. It is essential for classrooms to be equipped with technological devices in order to continue to provide quality education to students.

Technology in the classroom can be extremely beneficial when teaching various kinds of learners. Students who have diverse learning needs must be provided with the tools that they need to receive a good education. Assistive technology is an effective way to close the gap between diverse learners and high-achieving students. This technology can include magnified computer screens, interactive white boards, multi-media formats, and visual representations. By providing these things for students, teachers can insure that they are encouraging diverse learners to perform to the best of their ability.

Technology also helps to engage students who are reluctant to learn or take part in classroom activities. Reluctant readers may be hesitant to volunteer to read text aloud or participate in a group reading activity. Through technology, however, the student could have an audio recording provided for them that would encourage them to follow along with the reading and not fear being embarrassed in front of the class. Some students also become extremely bored in a traditional lecture style classroom. Technology allows these students to experience a new and exciting way to learn. They can become more involved in the activities through interactive white boards and websites.

Overall, I feel that technology is an essential part of learning in the 21st century classroom setting. As more and more children become involved in the technology craze of the current society, it is the educator’s job to become familiar with these tools. Technology provides a way for students who are diverse or hesitant learners to have the chance of becoming highly involved students. A classroom that is equipped with various technological devices will be an effective place for students to learn and achieve things that they may not have once viewed as being possible. **Changes from Beginning of Semester** **My views on the benefits of technology have increased since the beginning of the semester. While I knew that technology was important, I was not aware of the multiple ways in which the inclusion of technology in the classroom can increase the quality of instruction. I also learned that there is a huge amount of assistive technology available for students with disabilities and diverse learning needs. This includes vocal assistance for students with Cerebral Palsy and magnified computer screens for students with visual impairments. Not only can technology help these students, but it can also increase the impact of the learning environment for already high-achieving students. At the beginning of the semester, I was not aware that there were so many different kinds of technology in the classroom. I also did not know that technology is already a huge part of student’s lives that are as young as 4 years old. This class provided me with various ways to incorporate technology in the classroom. It highly increased my knowledge about the benefits and uses of technology in the educational setting.**