Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
EDLD 5364 Teaching with Technology
Reflection of the Universal Design for Learning activity:
Learning about the Universal Design for Learning during this course has transformed my ideas and the knowledge will be valuable in my career as an educator. The CAST site conveniently steps you through the design of your own lesson, clarifying each activity in detail. The site helps you apply the three primary brain networks that are the UDL principles in teaching. Using the principles help you reach and engage all students no matter their disabilities or special needs. Tapping in on the diverse learning needs and strengths of all students will promote the best student achievements. The UDL curriculum understands that all students process information differently and knowing your students’ needs and interests is important in meeting these goals for the best retention in learning. Although the coursework assignments were lengthy and demanding, I know that the knowledge gained during the course will allow me to become a better teacher that supports learning for all students.
Learning about the Universal Design for Learning during this course has transformed my ideas and the knowledge will be valuable in my career as an educator. The CAST site conveniently steps you through the design of your own lesson, clarifying each activity in detail. The site helps you apply the three primary brain networks that are the UDL principles in teaching. Using the principles help you reach and engage all students no matter their disabilities or special needs. Tapping in on the diverse learning needs and strengths of all students will promote the best student achievements. The UDL curriculum understands that all students process information differently and knowing your students’ needs and interests is important in meeting these goals for the best retention in learning. Although the coursework assignments were lengthy and demanding, I know that the knowledge gained during the course will allow me to become a better teacher that supports learning for all students.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
EDLD 5370 Web Conference #4
Well this web conference was by far the most informative one. I was able to listen to the recording, since it was held on Wednesday night and I attend church services then. I was able to take notes and write out a list of things I have left to do in Week 5 of our Internship. Dr. Mason's talk about being nearly done and graduation being right around the corner excites me so much. I still feel that I have so much left to do, but her words of encouragement help. There were not that many who participated on the live conference. I pray that they are all in church also, getting uplifted and praising the Lord for his guidance through this program. My only hope is that we will be able to have our grace period extended through Saturday as mentioned in the conference. My curriculum vitae and professional development goals will take some time as I plan think back through the years of my accomplishments. The end is so near, I think I need to get busy now and complete Week 4's writings before I reminisce about the end and graduation! Till next time...
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
EDLD 5370 Web Conference #3
We held our third web conference tonight at 7:30 pm. Our weather conditions have prevented some students from Internet, and from participating tonight. Of course, as in the other conferences, our professors record them for those exact reasons. The group was small and there were not as many questions, which makes me think many are getting down the pattern for our papers and reflections. There were quite a few questions on the Summary and Validation form. This was one of the forms that was added that we did not know about at the start. She gave students the opportunity to share their links to their Google site, and only one (Salvador) did. Thanks Salvador, but I am guessing others were not sharing yet because they did not feel it was complete yet. I know that I have quite a bit of 'designing' to do and most of my focus right now is on my writing. From the comments, it looks like most students have gone with a Google site for their ePortfolio. I know that wikispaces can be very frustrating when copying and pasting from a word document. I wonder if anyone is using Wikispaces now.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
EDLD 5370 Web Conference #2
This web conference was held at 7:30 pm on Wednesday. I leave for church at 6:40 pm and do not return until 8:20 pm. It is a relief that our professors at Lamar take the time to record the web conference for those of us who cannot attend because of work or church activities. I for one am very happy that the points awarded for this reflection, is only 1 point. I know that there are many who will not bother, but I like to receive every point possible.
I was able to read all the interactions on the web conference and most of my colleagues were wondering the same thing I was...how were we going to accept changes on the paper and how would we see our mistakes. I was able to download my paper and see one correction to make on an in-text citing. It was a direct quote that I needed to supply the page number. I also failed to reflect properly on the three requirements: Self-Assesment; Learn as a Learner, and Lifelong Learning Skills. You can bet, I will correct this next time!
Many colleagues were also questioning about the Horizon Report whether or not the 2011 one had been released. I had begun my paper and referenced the 2010 Report, reading the entire thing and highlighting some important sections. I was became frustrated when I discovered that I should have been reading the 2011 Report. Knowledge is knowledge...and I'm sure that I gained something from that report, but I really did not have that time to waste.
The web conference always gives me a relief just knowing that my frustrations and challenges are in fact felt by many of other students as well. It just helps to know others are having the same struggles as I am. In the end, we will all be successful.
I was able to read all the interactions on the web conference and most of my colleagues were wondering the same thing I was...how were we going to accept changes on the paper and how would we see our mistakes. I was able to download my paper and see one correction to make on an in-text citing. It was a direct quote that I needed to supply the page number. I also failed to reflect properly on the three requirements: Self-Assesment; Learn as a Learner, and Lifelong Learning Skills. You can bet, I will correct this next time!
Many colleagues were also questioning about the Horizon Report whether or not the 2011 one had been released. I had begun my paper and referenced the 2010 Report, reading the entire thing and highlighting some important sections. I was became frustrated when I discovered that I should have been reading the 2011 Report. Knowledge is knowledge...and I'm sure that I gained something from that report, but I really did not have that time to waste.
The web conference always gives me a relief just knowing that my frustrations and challenges are in fact felt by many of other students as well. It just helps to know others are having the same struggles as I am. In the end, we will all be successful.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
EDLD 5370 Internship-Web Conference
How exciting it was to reach the very last part of my coursework in Educational Technology Leadership. I enjoyed my two week break after completing Teaching with Technology. I was determined to enjoy the break since I heard horror stories about the intense workload in the Internship.
My excitement soon disappeared as I opened the course and saw the first week's assignment. It only had six parts and was 17 pages long!
I was able to participate in the first web conference for the class. It was held on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. When I logged in, I was happy to see Debbie Anderson's names. I had worked with her on two separate group projects. The other names I had not seen before...then Deann Thompson entered sometime later. I also worked with Deann on the same two group projects.
The web conference went smoothly as students posted question after question to Dr. Mason. I had a rough start with this course, but am determined to complete it in 5 weeks. We just received the name of our Instructor Associate, Sarah LaPuma. I had her for one other course, and then she had a baby. I bet it is nearly two years old now.
This web conference was filled with valuable information. I did get the fact that if I went on the courseware and download the checklist...it will all become much clearer. Students rightfully complained about the different versions of the handbook and how confusing it was to fumble through all of them.
I think that after I complete this week...and get some needed rest, I'll have a new outlook for Week 2.
My next Web Conference will be on Tuesday, April 26, 2011; I won't be making the Wednesday night conferences, since we have church.
My excitement soon disappeared as I opened the course and saw the first week's assignment. It only had six parts and was 17 pages long!
I was able to participate in the first web conference for the class. It was held on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. When I logged in, I was happy to see Debbie Anderson's names. I had worked with her on two separate group projects. The other names I had not seen before...then Deann Thompson entered sometime later. I also worked with Deann on the same two group projects.
The web conference went smoothly as students posted question after question to Dr. Mason. I had a rough start with this course, but am determined to complete it in 5 weeks. We just received the name of our Instructor Associate, Sarah LaPuma. I had her for one other course, and then she had a baby. I bet it is nearly two years old now.
This web conference was filled with valuable information. I did get the fact that if I went on the courseware and download the checklist...it will all become much clearer. Students rightfully complained about the different versions of the handbook and how confusing it was to fumble through all of them.
I think that after I complete this week...and get some needed rest, I'll have a new outlook for Week 2.
My next Web Conference will be on Tuesday, April 26, 2011; I won't be making the Wednesday night conferences, since we have church.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Universal Design for Learning Reflection
Participating in the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) during this course has transformed my ideas and the knowledge will be valuable in my career as an educator. The CAST site steps you conveniently through the design of your own lesson, clarifying each activity in detail. As you interact with the activities on the website, you will notice that they use their own methodology by giving users choices to learn the program. The site helps you apply the three primary brain networks that are UDL’s principles in teaching. Using the three principles a allow you to reach and engage students with different talents, abilities, strengths, disabilities and special needs. By tapping in on the diverse learning needs and strengths of your students, you can create the most success in reaching learning goals. The UDL curriculum reveals that all students process information differently and knowing your students’ needs and interests is important in meeting these goals for the best retention in learning. Although the coursework assignments were lengthy and demanding, I know that the knowledge gained during the course will help me develop instructional practices that will impact learning for all students.
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