Week 2 Reflection for EDLD 5364

“One size fits all doesn’t work” (Lessonbuilder.cast.org, 2009). Brain research has proven that we all learn in different ways. “The way we learn is as different as our fingerprints or DNA” (Lessonbuilder.cast.org, 2009). This statement is evident when a person walks into a classroom full of 22 students. Each child learns in a different way and needs to be taught in a way that they can be the most successful. Technology can serve as a way to help teach our students in different ways. The CAST group has shown how Universal Design of Learning can help not only the non-traditional learners, but everyone involved in the learning. For instance, a podcast may be created to help the visually impaired student in a classroom, but the podcast can also help the auditory learners in the classroom as well.

As an educator it is often hard to reach all the students in the classroom with the varying needs that they have, but technology helps to bridge that gap. “Although the advantages of computers in modern society are quite evident, it may be that technology, if only in educational circles, has failed to fully prove itself” (Page, 2002). I am not sure how technology has not proven to help students in their learning. I do believe technology is around our students 24/7 and has changed the way teachers must reach their students. Our students need constant engagement and often teachers that teach using old school techniques do not reach the students with the fullest potential. “Teachers need to be able to respond to differences, but with old approaches they can’t” (Lessonbuilder.cast.org, 2009). Teachers must find a way to put their fear of technology away so they are able to reach all of their students no matter their needs. Diverse learners make the classroom and interesting place and we, as teachers, must embrace them all.

Page, M.S (2002). Technology Enriched Classrooms: Effects on Students of Low Socioeconomic Status. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 34(4),389-409

Lessonbuilder.cast.org(nd.)The Brain Research. Retrieved on Oct. 5, 2009 from http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/window.php?src=videos