Teaching+with+Technology+Course+Reflection

 In this course, //Teaching with Technology// I have been exposed to not only new products that I could use within the classroom but also to new forms of learning and collaborating. I must admit that I was a bit worried about working in groups as previously I had only collaborated via email. But thanks in part to a wonderful group leader, I learned about and how to use //Google//Docs as a source of not only communication but as a source of instant collaboration. My groups selected a 5th grade Social Studies //Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills// that dealt with how the government functions. As we went through the weeks we developed the //Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills// from an idea into five sample projects that could be used in conjunction with the lesson. All of the sample projects addressed the learning feature of the three brain networks; recognition, strategic and affective  One crucial piece of information that I took out of this class was that it is important to realize that "Every learner has experiences that influence his or her understanding of the world". So as an educator it is important to take into account that every student that comes into my classroom are bringing with them prior learning experiences from home & other learning institutions that has helped to shape the way that they think and respond to certain situations. So it is vital that the lessons that I develop take into account that these experiences will affect the individual needs of each student and thus a one-size-fits all teaching style must give way to a style that will work for all. The sample projects that were developed by my group sort to eliminate the old method of teaching through the uses of podcasts, digital books, etc. ====As mentioned before the assignments that were given in this class was grouped based which required a lot of meetings and collaboration. My group met about three times during each week, the first meeting was to highlight what was needed and assign parts to each member. The second meeting was usually to discuss the progress that was made and to clarify if there were any issues. The final meeting was usually before the assignment was due and there the group offered suggestions as to any changes that needed to have been made.====

 Rose, D & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age: Universal Design for Learning. Retrieved June 4,  2011 from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/chapter4_4.cfm

Adams, Sharon; Burns, Mary. (1999). Connecting Student Learning & Technology. Retrieved June 4, 2011 from  http://www.sedl.org/pubs/tec26/intro2c.html

Cast.com. (1999-2001). //About UDL//. Wakefield, MA. Retrieved June 4,2011. http://udlselfcheck.cast.org/learn.php