EDLD+5364+Week+2

Week 2 had many discussions of technology's impact on positive student learning. As I watched the different videos that were available at [], I was so excited and impressed by the philosophy and theory behind Universal Design for Learning through the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), I could see so many ways of implementation. I went to the website, [] and wanted to learn more. The website states that Embedded features that help those with disabilities eventually benefit everyone (cast.org). That was so exciting and it is the way that I believe students should be taught. Although all students learn differently, these features can be used to benefit all students. I feel that all students have some type of disability. That would even include that “G/T Student”. Isn’t that student at a disadvantage because no one wants to work with them (or visa versa) or because they think they already know how to do something and they “tune out” what is being taught. Universal design calls for multiple means of representation, means of action and expression, and means of engagement (cast.org). Isn’t that we are all working to do in a classroom? Too many teachers only teach one way to all the students in a class. What a disservice to the students!  Learning that technology can have a positive impact on students’ learning and also their self-esteem as long as it is aligned with objectives in the classroom is a wonderful thing to pass on. I believe that teachers need to know how to use the technology and have an end in mind prior to setting students loose on the technology. I agree with the discussions and responses this week that having technology just for the purpose of saying that there is technology is a disservice to all. We need to teach people how to use the technology and implement it so that it will have a positive impact on all involved. I have heard of “Inspiration” software but never used it. I am going to be looking at this software and passing the information along to my teachers as possible teaching tool. Pitler et al. mentions that there are different types of brainstorming software that students can use. This is a great beginning for a lesson that uses technology. I feel like this week is just a drop in the bucket and I am looking forward to finding out more. 

//CAST UDL Lesson Builder: Watch a Video. //Center for Applied Special Technology, Web. 29 Nov. 2009.  //CAST: What is Universal Design for Learning? // Center for Applied Special Technology, Web. 29 Nov. 2009. [|