EDLD+5364

Week 1 reflection
=== This week we were able to evaluate the theory based on constructivism and connectivism. These theories shared some similarities and differences among them. The constructivism method suggests that students should take information which is presented to them and find a way to construct their own meaning from prior experiences. I believe that is a learning style a lot of people use in order to truly learn or remember ideas. Within our district, one of the important rules is to find a connection between the students and the material. If educators can find a common ground between the two, learning should become easier for the student. This allows the student to connect with the material and in some cases find a sense of ownership. The theory of connectivism to me also favors the constructivism theory as well. They believe that students learn by connecting content to past situation either through culture or past experiences. The readings this week really allowed me to reflect on my past and present teaching styles because both theories expressed that learning should be done in a openly way versus the traditional learning style. I feel like many teachers shy away from this method because of the noise level. Within this type of classroom students are often times more engaged, responsive and on task. With that being said, the level of noise is usually more than a traditional classroom teacher. Thinking about my first year of teaching I remember the limit amount of time I would have my students collaborate and work in groups. However, if you implement this tool within the classroom, by allowing students to take the information presented to them and give them time to internalize and then construct their own meaning from it is when learning will happen. ===

Week 2 Reflection
===This week I learned the effects technology can have on students’ individual development. The information presented from the readings and the videos suggest that technology can play an important role on students’ academic growth. What I found interesting was that research not only states how technology can impact a student's academic level but can also be directly related to a child’s self-esteem. I notice that within my own classroom over the pass few years as technology has increased so have my children independent level. I observed my students relying less on teachers guidance but becoming more self sufficient and in some cases dependent on their peers. I feel like overtime, teachers have lost sight of true quality teaching and have been so absorbed with teaching towards the test. Often times, students are given information instead of finding results on their own. However, technology can help support that level, it can provide students with problem solving and other higher order thinking skills. With bringing this equipment and technology driven programs can bring a new enrichment and excitement into students’ curriculum.===

Week 3 E-Book Reflection EDLD 5364
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===This week our assignment was to create an e-book which addressed the needs of variety of learners within the classroom. I felt like this was an assignment I could definitely utilize in my classroom. Since this assignment was not too challenging, I also would like to have this as an assignment for my students. This would be a great way to check students’ understanding of a particular topic. Students can create an e-book based on a lesson and present materials to the class. This can be a excellent way to identify if students have truly grasped the concept because they are able to teach it to someone else. When developing this book I was thinking about my Hispanic students that struggle with vocabulary, this would be a great tool to use for it. It will create a connection between the photos and the definitions helping students better understand terms. Overall, the development of the e-book can be beneficial for both teacher and student.===

Week 3 Course Reflection
===This week I better understand the importance of differentiating instruction to students. On the discussion board this week a comment was made that really made everything click together. It was mentioned that when you modify instruction for the student who may need it, it can be equally beneficial to the "regular" education students. Some students may just struggle with one particular lesson and by incorporating an alternative form to present that lesson can be rewarding to that child. I try to incorporate a visual every day in my class periods with students that have a harder time than other students but never truly realizing that maybe my higher level periods can benefit from those resources as well. Not only, was the importance of diversifying instruction emphasized this week but the resources you can use to accomplish that goal were discussed.===

**Week 3 UDL Lesson Plan Reflection**
====**This week along with developing an e-book we also had to create and lesson plan to teach the concepts which correlated with the e-book. This was a very time consuming assignment which we had to complete. When creating my UDL lesson plan I had several components in which I had to address in detail in order for others to understand. I just couldn't make bullets as if I was developing my own 5-e lesson plan where only I would be looking at. The UDL plan set detailed principles where it allowed the educator to consider every aspect when delivering a lesson to students. I discussed how I would open the lesson, model new concepts, ways I would guide them through lessons, independent practice and asses the students. Along with all of those components I emphasized technology at least in half of my lesson. I feel like this is a great tool for teachers to use when developing lessons because it makes you truly think if you are addressing all students by incorporating a variety of multisensory activities. Even though, teachers can benefit it from this plan I feel like it is unrealistic for one to create this plan for every lesson taught(very time consuming). Overall, it was a great method to use when differentiating instruction to all students.**====

Week 4 reflection This week we continued our knowledge on gearing lessons to meet the needs of diverse learners with the use of technology. Through the videos that were assigned this week showed classrooms which were design to make students explore knowledge for themselves or with peers by using technology. By doing, these students were more engaged and took more ownership for their learning. In the video a point was made that many teachers believe they do not necessarily have to know and understand every aspect of technology but it is okay to explore and learn with the students and in some cases have the students teach you. This was a great concept because many educators feel learning is a one way road where learning can only take place from teacher to student. Overall, by exploring technology activities can further extend or improve students' knowledge.

Week 5 Reflection
 * Over the course of this class my knowledge of UDL lessons, technology integrated activities, professional development and collaborating among peers has been the main focus and priority . Along with those concepts another aspect which was emphasized through the duration of this course was exploring ways to successfully meet the needs of all learners through the use of technology. “Teachers who have brought technology into their classroom are aware that it provides opportunity to differentiate instruction and change their classroom into dynamic learning environments” (Pitler, 2007, p.2) By incorporating the use of technology is a way for educators to effectively meet the needs of those multi-sensory students which technology has the ability to do. From this class I will take away the importance of evaluating my instruction to address every student learning styles. **