Week 3 Reflection

WOW! Being a slow reader I spent an entire day reading all of the assignments this week. Right now I'm overwhelmed with the amount of information I have absorbed! I have come to a few conclusions after this week's readings. (1) Web 2.0 tools are a must in the classroom; and should never be banned. (2) UDL (Universal Design for Learning) is a must when planning lessons. (3) Neither of these are utilized or available to my students.

Conclusion 1: Web 2.0 tools are a must in the classroom; and should never be banned.
The use of Web 2.0 tools is necessary if we are really serious about reaching today's learners. There are various tools available and each one can be used for multiple uses. Really, the tools and uses for them are limitless. I am frustrated that many of the Web 2.0 tools are currently banned from our schools. Through internet filters, we cannot access blogs, students aren't allowed to email teachers (and vice-versa), & instant messaging. Administrators are too worried about inappropriate relationships forming. According to Pitler (2007), "If schools ban online technologies, they are also banning valuable teaching tools. In addition, teachers lose the opportunity to engage students in much-needed conversations about keeping safe online" (p 223). We, as teachers, are already locked in classrooms with 20 children every day; and now you want to question our relationships? Couldn't they be better monitored online?! We need to re-evaluate where our learning goals stand.
Conclusion 2: UDL is a must when planning lessons.
UDL creates a lesson design that will address all levels of learners. It's like a individual IEP's for every student. I want my child in a classroom like that! Who wouldn't want a lesson that tailored to meets your child's learning style and allows them to show the teacher what they learned by having options for presentation? Teachers need to be educated on UDL and how they can use it in their classrooms. It's a MUST!
Conclusion 3: Neither of these are utilized or available to my students.
I think I have already addressed in Conclusion 1 my concerns. That also limits me to use UDL in my classroom. Also, I believe I would need professional development in UDL so I could feel confident in using it (with the tools I have available) in my classroom.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., * Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 223.