Stewart


 * Final Reflection 'Exam" **

I feel it is important for teachers to integrate technology into their lessons. Using technology within the classroom sets up the Universal Design for Learning, in which all students can access the curriculum and instructions from many different aspects. Using technology in your lessons plans aids in delivering the content material to all types of learners. In example, if you are just lecturing without the use of technology, you’re more then likely to be best understood by audiotorial learners. If you integrate the “white-board” into your instruction you’ve now created a more diverse learning environment. Students will be able to see exactly what you’re discussing within your lesson plan. Not only does technology aid in delivering content material to all learning styles, it also prepares students for the future. The world we live in is rapidly growing in the area of reliance on technology, familiarizing students early on with different technology, better prepares them for the digital world we live in today.

As stated using technology also enriches a students’ understanding of content areas despite their learning style. For example, creating virtual fieldtrips for certain units gets the students involved hands on as well as aid in them retaining the information better through reinforcement from the field trip on line. As teachers, we must remember that we will teach students from a variety of nationalities as well socioeconomic backgrounds. Integrating technology into our lessons aids in providing students who don’t have computers at home or access to the Internet with an opportunity to use these items. Growing up I remember being this child. When my teachers allowed us to use the mobile computer lab or scheduled computer lab time, it was well appreciated and made me happy that I could still have the same privileges as some of my other classmates have at home.

**In the beginning of this class I didn’t view technology as having any great importance in instruction, I now think differently. After taking this class, I’ve learned that technology is crucial in ensuring that all learners have an equal chance of understanding the material presented to them in class lectures. Technology opens the doors to new teaching strategies as well as information that would not be possible without its use within the classroom. As a future educator it is important for me to plan accordingly and integrate technology within my lesson plans that aid in delivering the content information to my students.**

**Digital Story Telling**

**My Digital Story**

media type="custom" key="11401218"

**Virtual Field Trip** I really enjoyed the virtual field trip. This activity was very informative yet fun and interactive at the same time. One of the things I like the most is the audio and text write up that was provided. Allowing the children to be able to hear the information just as if they were being showed around in a museum by a tour guide was very realistic. This is a great alternative method to the budget cuts in schools, preventing children from going on field trips. In the future I plan to integrate virtual field trips into my teaching at least once or twice. I’m the type of learner who can connect and learn more in hands on settings so this would be great for students who learn the same way.

media type="custom" key="11005184"

**Reflection on Personal Learning style!**

After completing the Learning Styles questionnaire, I was told I was a visual/ auditory learner. I would agree with this statement. When studying I like to rewrite my notes so that I can clearly see everything I need to study. Also, when reading a text book for understanding I like to read out loud and then ask myself questions about what I just read. Hearing myself talk helps me retain the information even more!

**Assistive Technology Assignment Part II**

1. After Viewing the websites and videos, I learned a lot about the use of assistive technology. In example, in the first video the young lady with cerebral palsy was able to communicate with us using an communication aid as well control things in her environment such as her tv, and stero and operate her chair also using her communication aid. Also, I learned the importance of assistive technology. Assistive technology isn’t just an aid so that people can receive an education, it also aids them in being regular human beings and participating in activities they enjoy. For example, the young man who was able to play his horn due to the joy stick that moved the vowels that he was unable to move with his fingers.

2. As a future teacher I want to remember all of the products that I read about today. But, Most of all I want to remember that in order to provide assistive technology to my students who may need it, I must also plan so that he or she can receive an effect lesson that day as well. I want to also have knowledge and know how the particular device my students using works. The Microsoft website was really helpful. As a teacher I will be able to assign typed assignments to students and be confident that a student with a special need could also complete the assignment because of the different technology and tips they can use to. The customization of the technology was really impressive. I was surprised, I thought that the devices were generalized for a certain disability and distributed that way.

3. In the future technology in the aid of providing for diverse student needs will be at it greatest. Students will be able to do just about anything regarding school despite the disability from their personal lab top in a classroom from their chair or even at home. In the future, I see the customizable devices that aid not only in learning but everyday life being smaller then what they are now, faster as well as more diverse.

4. My freshman year, I sometimes went to math tutoring in which I would see a young lady who was semi blind I believe. She had a special laptop with a brail keyboard. The letters on the screen would appear very big and talk to her as she types. This technology made it easy for her to complete assignments. I’m not quite sure how the tutor would aid her or give solutions to her math problems.

5. After completing this assignment, I will always remember the importance as a teacher that my student receives the assistance that he/she needs in order to excel in the classroom. Also, that giving the student the needed aid isnt enough I must effectively plan just as I would if their weren’t students who used assistive technology.

**Responses/Reflection to Learning Styles and CAST Website Resources**
 * 1) The information confirmed what I already determined to be my learning style, Auditory/ Verbal. Some suggestions for improving my study skills that I never thought about include taping lectures and noting certain times in which the professor discussed a topic that I didn’t fully understand.
 * 2) I thought the CAST website was very useful not only for teachers but parents. The best way to learn new information is through awareness and literature and the CAST website provides you with the needed information.
 * 3) Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age was a very informative book. One thing I found intresting was in chapter 5, which was the Etrekker. I would like to incorporate this in to my lesson plans when my students are doing perhaps a research project. The website allows students to complete their projects or work at their own pace using tools that they need as an individual to successfully complete the assignment.
 * 4) After participating in the two activities at the end of last Monday’s class I learned that i’m really good at focusing on what I’m told. In example, I was able to count the correct number of times the people with the white shirts passed the ball, yet I missed the gorilla. I have to learn how to focus but also see the “bigger picture” so that I may not miss anything.
 * 5) I feel this is a great tool for developing differentiated instruction. The website is clear and very easy to navigate and very informative. I plan to use this website in the future.
 * 6) I would like to explore ways in which to design a lesson plan or incorporate the technology into the classroom.