Spadaro

**Candace Spadaro's Page**

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My Learning Style- //** The Visual/ Nonverbal Learning Style **//

 I can definitely agree with the results of my learning style survey. I definitely learn better with the help of visuals. When I see words, like in a textbook or on the chalkboard, I only know what I read, while when I see a visual I can come up with conclusion on my own based on what I see. When I create my own knowledge in an inquiry-based way, I tend to retain that information better and have a much quicker recall. I know I do this because I am able to link information seen in the picture to my already established background knowledge and schemas and whe there is a solid network of information, topics are much better learned. Like the saying (which I am a true believer in), a picture is worth a thousand words.

 Furthermore, i know myself pretty well; I am definitely a metacognitive person. I know that flashcards are my best means of studying and I know that when I write in colors and draw pictures next to information, I can remember and understand better that way. Even if I am doodling a spiral next to a bullet on tornados, I will remember that fact about tornados because I recall, “Oh Yeah! I drew a spiral after that fact” and I actually remember that sentence better even unintentionally. Pictures just explain things better than most words can for me.

**Assistive Technology Questions & Reflection**
 * 1. From visiting the websites and viewing the videos in Part I of the assignment, what information did you learn about assistive technology for disabled individuals?** Disabled individuals, sever or less severe, definitely have their share of difficulties in this world. The assistive technology lifts some of their limitations, whether that involves seeing, hearing, moving, etc. limitations. In Ellen’s case it allowed her a voice she would not otherwise have and a gateway for communication that opens a plethora of doors for her. It astonishing to think about the boundaries she would have without her chair and equipment at her fingertips, literally.


 * 2. Were there any sites, products, or resources that particularly impressed you and that you want to remember as you prepare to become a classroom teacher?** I was extremely impressed with the apple website. I had an assumption, for some reason, that apple was merely a technology source for the regular computers, phones, etc. I had no idea they had resources to find information on assistive technology and gave many ideas as to how to implement their technology in the life of a person with a disability. For instance, they have provided access to community resources, national standards, and solutions using their technology. This definitely opened my eyes to what big corporate companies can supply.


 * 3. What promises/potentials does technology provide for students with diverse learning needs?** Technology promises opportunities for where opportunities were once not possible. For example, prior to Ellen’s chair, she was unable to voice her thoughts or needs and now, thanks to her computer, she can say what she needs and even ask questions for herself.


 * 4. Have you ever had a personal experience with a student or other person who has used some form of assistive technology to help them function in learning or everyday life?** If so, describe what you observed from that experience in terms of meeting the special needs of those individuals. Relatively recently (May 2010), my uncle was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. This disease eats away at the muscle, including the heart and also effects breathing patterns. This disease takes over the whole body but leaves the brain alone, therefore, its victims are completely aware of their surroundings and are still themselves on the “inside” just as much as before the disease. This is a very sick disease and is very rapidly progressive. Unfortunately, he does not have much longer, but thanks to assistive technology, he can still do some things independently. For instance, he has a “Smart” chair with a computer screen that allows him to type what he wants to say and also, he has an elevator to his porch, and a lift for the shower. He even has an electric large fork that extends to eat because he’s lost a lot of muscle in his arms and cannot control them as well. Without this technology, he would not be able to do the everyday things he once could. He is a very strong willed man and is trying to make the best of his situation while it lasts.


 * 5. From this assignment, what will you carry with you as you prepare to become a teacher – one that will, most likely, face the challenge of meeting the needs of special education students along with non-disabled learners?** One thing that has definitely stuck with me is to not label those who are disabled. Furthermore, if a student is blind, I would not call that student the blind students, I would refer to that student as the student who is blind when need be. People are not defined by their disabilities, they are people first and then they happen to have a disability that we must cater to, as teachers. With all of the technology touched upon in just this short hour, the options are endless with the enough research and resources. No student should be limited when technology is an option.

** UDL Reflection ** Being an adult learner with my education no longer being free, I have become extremely metacognitive. I know how I learn best so that I can succeed and not waste my own time and money because I do take my education very seriously. In a previous class I learned about Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences and it really intrigued me so I did more research and came to the conclusion that I am a very visual learner and that is how I recall information best, after looking at a visual supporting text.

I gained some new insight from the website, however I found it very redundant and repetitive, which was good and bad. It felt like a waste of time reading some of the same information over and over again and hearing the same facts talked about with each student presentation; However, the more I read and heard it, the more information I remembered through the repetition. I also, very much so, appreciated the charts and flow diagrams that also represented the written information. I even included some in my groups presentation of chapter 6.

The information gleaned from the electronic version of **//Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age//** will be extremely useful for planning my future lessons. Having already earned one degree in elementary education, we talked plenty about differentiation and the importance of reaching every student, therefore, I already knew the magnitude of how valuable teaching to all learning styles can be but the book taught me the sciences behind it, like the three brain networks: recognition (knowing and recognizing facts), strategic (carrying out procedures), and affective (connecting emotions and interests to tasks). Understanding these networks can help me better plan for my students in the future.

** Virtual Field-trip Reflection ** The field trips taken while still in class can be extremely beneficial. With the economical problems our schools are facing today, taking a virtual fieldtrip can be as fun as you want to make it for the students while still being frugal. Some of the sites offered great visuals and and allowed for free moving with the mouse, like zooming in and out and even clicking on some visuals to view more in depth. These fieldtrips will definitely engage students over a textbook assignment and it will still allow for free exploration, just as a regular fieldtrip would. The virtaul fieldtrips are extremely interactive and many provide a plethora of opportunities for extension lessons so that students can continue their journeys through the virtual fieldtrips. Furthermore, luckily, we are close enough to Washington, DC where we could provide our students with a trip to visit our nations capital but for a good majority of other states, they could take virtual field-trip so that they may still view and explore the nations capital and what it has to offer, without the great expense of air fare, bus fare, hotel fare, etc. That is just one example of how a virtual field-trip could be taken advantage of but their are many other opportunities as well.

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This is my reading of "Whatif" by Shel Silverstein. It reminds us, future teachers, of all the thoughts our students may have on top of their schoolwork so teachers should practice flexibility and be as understanding as they can.

** FINAL REFLECTION ** I am questioning the technology available to me so that I can begin acquainting myself to my resources. I will definitely take advantage of the white boards and the computers, especially in order to differentiate and enhance my lessons for the students. Any assignment can be enhanced with the incorporation of technology to engage and challenge the students beyond the typical paper/ pencil work. The students will not only remain focused on the lesson at hand, because technology of any kind will draw in the younger generation, but they will become technology literate to keep up with this modern, forever- enhanced world they are surrounded by.

It is important to have as much technology as possible in the class because it allows for me to reach many learning levels while still managing my class effectively. Students can complete guided research activities which will challenge them further than even a text book can because they have the liberty of the internet (with much guidance and safety controls up). Also, students are able to play lesson-appropriate games which will stimulate and motivate their learning. If students can be motivated intrinsically, rather than extrinsically through candy and rewards then their morals and goals will be stronger and for better reasons. All in all, using this technology in my class can’t hinder any of my lessons, only enhance them and I am looking forward to showing other teachers the great, easy, time efficient (as all teachers worry about) uses technology can offer our students and ourselves! Not to mention, it would be a great addition to the “going green” scheme our world is coming to.

__Comparison:__ Overall, while I have learned several new techniques and many new ideas to use in my future class, my vision on technology remains about the same because I was such a strong supporter of it in the beginning as well. I understand the great benefits it can have as well as the “fun” aspect in the students eyes and if we, teachers, can keep any topic fun for students while they learn, they will excel much more effortlessly through their years in school. Also, students pretty much make their minds up at a young age whether they like a subject or not, so if we can make it fun from the get-go through technology, hopefully this idea of “school is fun” and stick with them.