Saturday, April 6, 2013

Chapter 10 Journal

What are differentiated instruction (DI) and universal design for learning (UDL)? Differentiated instruction is an instructional approach that gives students a variety of options for taking in information and helping them get a better understanding of ideas. DI is a great way for educators to create different experience for students in order to meet their individual needs. On the other hand, Universal design for learning, is a concept based on how schools can serve all students well in the educational setting. UDL takes new advances in the approach of how the brain processes information to the design of curriculum in order to accommodate the needs of a wider variety of students and their needs.

Tech Tool 10.1 Extra-Large and Online Calculators Extra large and online calculators are a great tech tool for students. For example, an extra large is good for visually impaired students making it easy for them to see but it's also great for other student because they are more interested in it's size and makes them more comfortable with the tool. Next, online calculators are great because since students like using the internet and are more engaged when they are doing online activities, the use of online calculators really encourages students to have a want in using their online calculator. The online calculator I tested was great because it even offered a scientific version. The use of a scientific calculator online is great for those students who can't afford to spend $100 for one in the stores.


Chapter 10 Summary Promoting Success for All Students through Technology Chapter 10 introduces Differentiated instruction and Universal Design for Learning which I explained above. As an educator we are given the opportunity to to be an instructional designer. We are responsible for arranging seating, group, activities lessons and many other things. This chapter provides educators with information on how to incorporate technology from low end to high end into our curriculum. It gives us ideas like how to introduce an electronic speller, dictionary, handheld calculators, assistive technologies, speech recognition software, and many others sources of technology into the everyday classroom. One of the tech tools this chapter introduced I found quite interesting, Electronic Story Books. This is great because with things like the kindle in today's tech world, it really shows a student reading from an electronic source can be fun too. Chapter 10 also gives ideas on how to approach the process of writing and how to transform writing with technology.

1 comment:

  1. eReading will likely become more popular as more and more 'textbooks' are either becoming totally digital and/or they are really hybrid webpages. The tools in a eReader (highlighting, dictionary, note-taking) really make it quite valuable for not only the special needs student, but any student. Of course, there are some drawback to the eReader, too - just need to consider and weigh the pros and cons. :)

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