Scott

=**Rob Scott's Home Page**=

**My Vocki**
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** UDL and Learning Styles reflection **
//1.In completing the learning styles survey, did you learn anything new about your personal learning style, or did the information confirm what you have already determined about how you learn best? Were there any suggestions offered for improving your study skills that you had not considered before?//

I am an auditory/verbal learner. I learn best from lectures, note taking and class discussions. I like to be involved in class discussions and I take away a lot more from this type of activity as opposed to other methods. I don’t enjoy reading so I am attentive in the lecture part of class. When I am studying I repeat information out loud so that way I retain information better because seeing and hearing material helps me retain information. I enjoy studying with others so we are constantly talking about the material. Sometimes I use flash cards to study because repetition is a big part of learning. It was suggested that I record myself then listen to the information. I have never considered this and if I can get the right technology to do this I might give this a shot to see if it works.

//2. What was your overall impression of the CAST website?//

The CAST website is great resource for teachers. It clearly explored the concept of UDL and gave several examples to it. This helps a lot with teaching individuals who need accommodations. By accommodating others, a teacher may also be helping the whole class. For example if a student benefits from visual and audio learning then if you make these available to all students, then all students have a chance to benefit from it. I am sure I will use this website in the future. It gives a lot of ideas that I can use when I obtain a job.

//3.Did you find any interesting information in the electronic version of Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age? Describe how you might incorporate that information in your teaching.//

I found all the information on all recognition, strategic, and affective networks to be rather interesting. The book focused heavily on this. I never really thought to separate learning into these categories before. I learned that one needs to set goals that are appropriate for your audience. This is the foundation of teaching; from this students can monitor their own learning. If goals are set to high students may give up and if they are too low then they get bored. This is something that I would apply to my classroom. I will try to make sure every student is challenged in my classroom but not challenged too much. I would like to use the information from CAST in the classroom. I feel like now I just want to start to apply what CAST is saying. Once I am a teacher I know I will be able to use this site to make my classroom a resourceful environment.

//4.What was your reaction to the 2 activities in which you participated? Did you gain any new insight into your strengths and talents through these exercises?//

The two activities were great. I thought the one with the cups and string was spectacular for developing the concept of scaffolding. In just reading the about CAST I couldn’t really think to much of how to relate it to students. This activity completely changed my opinion. This challenges me to come up with activities for concepts that do not have an obvious activity. I did gain a better understanding through these activities.

//5.Many of my students have responded quite positively to the materials at CAST. How do you feel about this approach to developing differentiated instruction?//

I feel that CAST is a great program for differentiated instruction. It takes into account different learning strategies and how the brain works, so that way the teacher knows what to do for each accommodation. Overall, CAST is a good resource for teachers who are looking to reach all students.

//6.What would you like to know/explore more at CAST?//

I would like to know more of how I can apply this directly to math but I’m sure once out in the real world I’ll be able to figure it out and make a connection to my subject.

Assistive Technology 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?//

Assistive Technology allows those individuals who are disabled to function and communicate effectively. For example Ellen, the girl with Cerebral Palsy was able to communicate as well as get around to her lessons. For her she would not be able to function the same way without the assistive technology. But assistive technology doesn’t conform to the boundaries of communication and transportation. Lukas Bratcher uses assistive technology to play the baritone in band.

//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 really like Kathy Schrock’s website because it not only gives information on those with disabilities but also it gives a resource for gifted students. This site I will be able to use while teaching because it has standards for different states and I will be able to use that information where ever I teach. Technology has a lot of potential for students. There is so much information on the internet and so many useful resources, that any topic may be covered thoroughly. Students all have different needs; technology can help fill this gap so that students with learning needs.

//3. What promises/potentials does technology provide for students with diverse learning needs?//

Technology has a lot of potential for students. There is so much information on the internet and so many useful resources, that any topic may be covered thoroughly. Students all have different needs; technology can help fill this gap so that students with learning needs.

//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.//

While substituting, there was a girl who had hearing aids and the microphone for the hearing aids were to be place around my neck. Without this device she would not have been able to hear instructions and possibly not be able to function in the regular classroom. Her disability was not a handicap because the assistive technology that she had enabled her to be involved in the classroom.

//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?//

I will carry these resources with so when the time arises I have information to try to meet the needs of special education students along with non-disable learners. Technology has become a great resource to accommodate those who need it. I will carry the lesson planning guide to ensure that all students needs are meet in every lesson. As teachers we need to keep an open mind and be sure all accommodations are met and make sure we reach those who do not need accommodations.

= Virtual Fieldtrip Reaction = Describe 2 important benefits of the whaling industry to America.

The whaling industry gave necessary resources to those on land. Whales were hunted for their oil and bones. Whale oil was the main way to light homes through out the world. The bones were used in fashion and decorative items such as scrimshaw. In selling the byproducts, the New Bedford community found a profitable business. So two important whaling industry benefits of the whales byproducts and creating income for a population.

Describe 2 problems of the whaling industry.

One problem with the whaling industry was that it was very dangerous. Ships could be away for years at a time and many sailors were unable to return. This was tough for families’ income and emotions.Another negative aspect of whaling was that many species of whales decreased do to over hunting. Today, whale numbers are still low compared to numbers that they were. So two negatives were the dangers for sailors and their families whaling brought and the over hunting of whales.

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Maria Montessori

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This is my podcast. This is Charlie Chaplin's speech from the movie "The Great Dictator." This is a speech about how people should run the government and not a single person. He talks about the military not taking arms up against people to enslave them. He preaches equality of man, the fear that technology will consume us, and that we have to power to unite for the common good. This is an overall great speech that comes from a man who was given everything and instead turned around and gave it to the people. This is great for any lesson on equality and a great example for students to use for when they pick a speech to read. This is structured for a high school World History class.

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This is my digital story. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8VSwMFIiwkY

=**My Final Reflection**= Technology, I feel is a great asset to supplement learning. There are tons of online resources that allow students to do the exploring themselves. With this there brings chances for students to research, communicate with other students and the teacher, and learn through educational games and programs. This technology can be used to take lessons in the classroom and broaden them to every day life for the students. It gives us places to explore without ever having to leave the classroom. Sometimes, As a teacher in your school, I can harness that willingness to explore, given the fact that technology is available to use. Technology brings a wide career field and if we introduce students to it now, they will be more open to pursuing a career in technology in the future.

Students with an IEP (Individualized Education Program) can benefit from technology. It is often necessary for students to be supplemented with audio, visual, and tactile resources so that learning can take place more efficiently. Technology has allowed UDL (Universal Design for Learning) to occur. Technology has the power to give all individuals equal opportunities to learn.

Technology, also, can be a great resource for teachers. In order for education to advance the teachers need to advance. This means they need to constantly improve their lesson plans and communicate. They can use technology as an additional resource. There may be a teacher in California that has a great idea regarding teaching multiplication on binomial equations and I, as a teacher, can use that idea so my students will have the same understanding.

**I still believe that technology is great for teaching, it is a great way for students to explore and learn on their own. Technology can assist those with disabilities, so learning can still occur. Throughout the semester, I have gotten many great ideas and discovered new resources that I can use in the classroom, for my students and for myself. I have learned how to make videos and podcasts which I can then use as projects for my students. I have also leaned how technology can negatively affect students, such as social networking groups, cyber bullying and the resources to cheat. Although, there are negative sides to technology, the good aspects outweighs the bad and it gives teachers more efficient ways to not only teach but spark interest in students to learn.**