1. The concept of universal design suggests that all instructional activities should ensure equal access for all learners regardless of their unique needs. After reading the In Depth feature on universal design and examining its evolution from architecture to learning, consider how you might include universal design in your classroom. Do you intend to adjust your instruction to include universal design principles when you teach? Explain why or why not.
As I understand the value of differentiated instruction which addresses the unique needs of students in the classroom, I agree that universal design is necessary to implement for curriculum delivery because it maximizes the effectiveness of learning as diverse needs of students with physical, cultural, linguistic, and learning challenges are met. Therefore, I intend to adjust instruction to include design principles when I teach.
Educators who focus on universal design concepts in developing curriculum and instructional strategies create opportunities for all students to benefit in their unique ways from the learning experience and meet learning objectives. It is essential that universal design concepts are included during lesson planning activities. Teachers are central to the successful implementation of technologies in the classroom, and thus, must ensure that all students have equal access to technologies, and that technology supports their different abilities and learning styles.
#2. Discuss the cloud storage. Why is it advantageous for educators to share resources and programs on a network? What concerns are associated with program sharing?
Cloud storage is an online based platform for engaging and performing activities online using applications and different technologies, and managing and storing data that is accessible to anyone that has a personal computer and internet access. Storage hosting companies provide cloud storage as a service, and users usually pay a monthly or annual fee to maintain the virtual storage space. Cloud storage allows multiple individuals access to data and files from any location, at anytime, and users can share, and modify data. It allows for greater amounts of storage space, without having to purchase additional computer hardware like servers.
The ability for educators to share resources and programs on a network is advantageous because it allows for flexibility in assigning, and accomplishing task for both teachers and students. Teachers can: access as well as provide student access to applications and learning tools; instantly update course content and material as well as view and managed student progress; collaborate with other teachers; share assigned homework which students can access and submit through the cloud space; provide parents access to students’ coursework and academic progress in order for parents to monitor and help in supporting students’ learning; allow students access to their own progress, and students can gain instant feedback.
Some disadvantages to cloud storage include the need for internet connectivity in order to gain access, and concerns with the level of security and privacy of information held by the service provider in the virtual space. In addition, unreliable internet connections, and slow speed internet connections can hinder the impact of using the cloud storage in curriculum instruction to support learning activities. Program sharing can be economical as multiple software do not need to be purchased, and downloaded on each computer, instead access to programs occur on a shared network. In addition, when updates are required, there is only one main access point where the update needs to be applied. However, the disadvantage to program sharing is that at the onset of issues with the software or server, all those connected to the network will be impacted as user functionality will be disabled until the issue is resolved. For this reason, it is important that as teachers plan for the use of network applications in instruction, that they are knowledgeable of the school’s use and availability of back-up servers, and they consider instructional strategies to implement in case of network failures.
#3. You have learned about the challenges you will face in implementing technology in your classroom. How do you plan to meet these challenges during your pre-service and in-service career? Be specific in describing a strategy to meet each challenge.
Assess Students’ Needs
During pre-service, I would engage in opportunities to talk to and interview current in-service teachers about the challenges that they face and issues that they have to consider as it relates to meeting the needs of their students in the classroom. Through that, I would look to gain feedback on the ways to assess students and their needs by considering demographic information, socio-economic status, cultural diversity, values, beliefs, and attitudes, learning aptitude (from standardized test scores, grades, prior class performance). I would also establish my own philosophy of teaching based on knowledge of learning and cognitive theories so that I can incorporate my own teaching style into helping students to achieve their learning potentials. As according to the requirements of NETSA, I would gain knowledge about basic technology, its components, and different types of educational technology and how they are used, and gain awareness of differentiation instruction strategies.
During in-service, I would implement pre-assessments to identify learners’ individual needs (diversity, English language learners, gifted students, physically disabled students), gaps in learning, and identify ways that I can create an environment where all students have equal access and learning experiences. I would also ensure that all students are versed in the use of the software to meet their individual needs. I would conduct an assessment of abilities or ask students to verify (post secondary). I would also gain knowledge about NETSS standards that must be considered when developing a lesson plan that includes student learning objectives, and begin to assess the various ways that I can deliver content.
Lesson Planning and Curriculum Development Strategies
During my pre-service, I will gain theoretical knowledge of how student learn, identify the various teaching strategies, develop lesson plans with an understanding of state and national standard for student learning outcomes, and expected technology competencies.
During in-service, I will use the DPA framework to systematically develop a lesson plan that addresses the content, learning objectives, and identifies the types of formative and summative assessment that will be used to gain feedback about the effectiveness. I will also asses the classroom environment (considering Universal Design concepts) and resources needed to support my lessons.
Considerations for Technology Integration in Classroom Instruction
During pre-service, I will learn about the various technologies that are available for assisting with curriculum instruction, and understand what they are used for, and how they are used. I would gain a thorough understanding of the various technologies that exist for learners with special needs.
During in-service, as I assess which technologies, and how to integrate the technologies into classroom instruction, I will navigate resources online, and from other in-service teachers of available sample plans of technology integrated effectively.
Implementing Technology into Instruction
During pre-service, I would engage in classroom technology training sessions with in-service teachers by observing, practicing, and gaining feedback concerning methods, and practical issues faced in the classroom when using technology for instruction. I would also ensure that through my teacher preparation program, I have gained the competencies and met the technology standards as required by the state.
During in-service, my focus for integrating technology in the curriculum will be based on Universal Design, in order to ensure that the technology that I select to assist with instruction and meeting student learning objectives accommodates the various student needs identified in the pre-assessment. I would implement summative assessment to gain feedback about the effectiveness of the technology implemented so that I can make the appropriate adjustments and develop new strategies to meet learning outcome goals.