Knowledge I’ve gained from this assignment is how technology can meet the needs of diverse learners. Technology has become a powerful tool that can be used to engage learners. “Technology can support and enhance effective classroom strategies to build language and literacy skills for students with a variety of needs, including English language learners, struggling readers, and students who would benefit from more varied assessments of their learning” (NREL, n.d.). Previously I had knowledge of several uses of technology to meet student’s diverse needs. Also, I had knowledge of using technology and software in combination to reach academic skill levels with basic word processors and simple basic software. The new knowledge gained was the differentiated instruction that accommodates by tailoring teaching to student strengths and knowledge. This provides “students multiple options for taking in information, for making sense of ideas, and for expressing what they learn.” (Wahl & Duffield, 2005, p.2). We designed and produced a four-page newsletter providing educational technology resources for teachers.The basic design principles were followed – contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity – and each page was presented in a graphically pleasing layout.The relationship between the old and new information I learned affected my personal experience by opening up avenues to use and teach both students and fellow colleagues. I learned ways and ideas to use at site-based staff development. I also learned an array of information to use as tools that are readily and easily available. Learn as a Learner The approach and strategies I used in completing my assignment were reading the articles that were assigned by the professor. I also watched the presentation that were part of the lesson as well as participated in the discussions. My strategy was basically to go through every piece of the class portal for each week. Anything I didn’t understand I research to gain a better understanding. I’m a visual learner. I have to read and take notes. I will read the assignment, whether they are discussion questions or the actual assignment before I begin the weeks reading. Once I know what knowledge I need to gain to answer the discussion or assignment I begin. I listen to the presentations and take notes and I highlight important sections. I begin to read my assigned readings and I also highlight and take margin notes. My learning and interaction with colleagues affected the results of my performance by providing inside knowledge to new strategies and ideas. I was able to relate to many of my colleagues postings. I also collected new ideas that others had used with success. Lifelong Learning Skills What I gained about learning and the way I learn that will impact my future learning is that according to research from West Ed, it’s always best to introduce students to linguistic and nonlinguistic formats. After having been introduced to rubrics I feel they are good tools because they can identify specific problem areas. My past interactions and collaborations with colleagues will impact my future learning experiences by allowing me to seek out collaborations on topics. Whether it’s to stay current, collaborate with staff, or simply toss around ideas, it will be an impact to continue my future learning.I was able to demonstrate knowledge of principles of design and their application to digital graphics/animation products. I was also able to demonstrate knowledge of principals of typography and page design and how to use technology tools t create desktop publishing products. We created activities to show graphics, animation, and learn desktop publishing software to convey a specified message to an intended audience. As a lifelong learner, the issue that challenges me the most, that is worthy of future research is the further study of computer-aided instruction. “Students who use appropriate technology persist longer. Enjoy learning more and make gains in performance” (WestEd, RETC, 2004). Teachers don’t have time to think on how to integrate technology resources in the classroom. I would like to develop a plan of action for integration and implementation that would save time for teachers to do more teaching.
Northeast Regional Educational Laboratory. (n.d) Meeting the needs of diverse learners. Retrieved from http://www.netc.org/earlyconnections/pub/sec3.pdf
Wahl, L., & Duffield, J. (2005). Using flexible technology to meet the needs of diverse learners. Retrieved from http://www.wested.org/online_pubs/kn-05-01.pdf
WestEd Regional Technology in Education Consortium (RTEC). (2004). Technology tips for differentiated instruction. Retrieved from http://rtecexchange.edgateway.net/cs/rtecp/view/rtec_files/123
