Gary+N

I am a math teacher at Union City High School for the past two years after spending 6 years trapped teaching in the Paterson school district. Before teaching I spent 20+ years in the business field working in accounting in both the public and public sectors. I live in Paramus, NJ with my wife and two teenage children.

** 4 ideas to share with others (either that you've learned here or you've learned elsewhere) **
a) always make your classes fun and relevant. b) enjoy what you do and it shows through. c) kids learn differently, you should also. d) Listen to what problems/issues the students have.

** 2 changes in your teaching to reach all learners in the Digital Age **
a) be flexible b) use technology advances more

** 1 BIG idea to implement on Monday **
Create discussion with fellow math teachers on what websites work and which don't. Also make exit interview cards asking what students liked, disliked, learned this year in class. Possibly a collage.

** __Reflection #1__ ** // For the most part I agree with the view of UDL depending upon the school district. Currently, I work in a district that encourages various types of learning experiences, especially through technology advancements, and appears on the "cutting edge" of changes in the education system (i.e. core curriculum). Conversely, my previous district seemed to always be reactive to changes, rather than being proactive. Even when they were proactive, there was always something (administration, budgets) that prevented optimal learning experiences. // // Since Union City allows for individualism, it is now up to the teacher to break down barriers and utilize their curiousity and creativeness in establishing a variety of methods and ideas to better engage the students. To that end, I will need to reach out of my comfort zone and try different methods that colleagues have proved successful and redefine my own style of teaching. //
 * // At the core of UDL is the premise that often the curriculum is disabled (and disabling!). It is not flexible; it often poses barriers, and consequently prevents rather than supports optimal learning experiences. Do you agree or disagree with this view? Why or why not? // **

// Classroom teachers felt that UDL addressed their work and their curriculum with all students, not just one student. They could identify "barriers" for all students. SPED teachers felt they could contribute to the curricula, not just one or two students. In turn, all teachers, administrators and parents embraced the mindset of expanding and improving curricula. // // Limitations may include that all teachers, administrators, etc need to buy into "UDL" methodology. Teachers are all at different levels in their tech development. Timing and professional development issues. //
 * __ Reflection #2 __ **
 * // What are the benefits of analyzing the curriculum for strengths and weaknesses rather than focusing on the student’s strengths and weaknesses? What are the challenges of this approach? // **

// Since there are a myriad of ways students learn, the teacher needs to be have alternate ways of reaching more of the students. Most likely, they would include various technologies, manipulates, graphs, diagrams, maybe even a relevant story the student can reflect prior knowledge on. // // Benefits should be self-evident - students wanting to learn, more attentive in class, willing to help other students, discussing how they now understand the material, overall climate of the classroom. // // Challenges include the availability of the technologies (classroom sharing), budget concerns, teacher training, administrative support, time constraints - the usual. //
 * __ Reflection #3 __ **
 * // How can using a variety of materials and methods reach more of the learners within your classroom? What are the benefits of doing so? What are the challenges? // **

The barriers in traditional assessments are not all students learn similarly (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) thus should not be assessed the same way. Hence, the assessments may not be a true gauge of the student's knowledge and learning. Some barriers inherent with various options would include: teacher time issues during classroom in evaluating each individual student, which students should be assessed how, are all assessments indicative and equitable?
 * __Reflection #4__ **
 * // What barriers are inherent in traditional assessments? What are the challenges in offering varied options for assessment? // **

Given today's realities mentioned above, it would be a major disservice to students if teachers did not incorporate modern technologies into their instruction. With a wide variety of modern technologies available in predominantly all school districts and Administrative oversight, it would be nearly impossible for the teacher not to use technology. In fact, by not using it, the teacher is jeopardizing his career. Just ask yourself, as a parent, if you wanted your son or daughter lagging behind other students because their teacher was slow to recognize the advantages of multiple types of learning. Nuff said.
 * __ Reflection #5 __ **
 * // Given the realities of our modern age and the demands of our children’s future, is it really okay to allow teachers to choose whether or not they incorporate modern technologies into their instruction? // **

= = =** 4 ideas to share with others (either that you've learned here or you've learned elsewhere) **=

- Edutopia - project based cross curriculum - PODcasts (programs on demand) - through itunes. - Wix/weebly - use for classroom blogs - Voki.com - avatar =** 3 principles of Universal Design for Learning **=

Representing - who they teach? multiple ways to present class during same lesson.
Expressing - What they teach? Students act, express what they know. Tech and non-tech Engagement - How they teach? find ways and means that students like to do and relate to lesson

=** 2 changes in your teaching to reach all learners in the Digital Age **= Be CREATIVE. Try doing different things. Use videos (from above) LISTEN to students. What do they want? Other than no homework. PLAN accordingly.

=** 1 BIG idea to implement on Monday **= = = =** Culminating Activity #3 **=
 * ENGAGE THEM! **
 * NetGenners - The generation of people born in the past 20 years who have grown up in the world wide web world, always having the latest technologies, and more importantly, learning using this technology and not the archaic way of their ancestors (pencil and paper). They require and demand instant gratification and always adapt to the newest and greatest innovations. The scoff and the antiquated teaching methods and appear bored when not in possession of their hand held devices. They do not require outside stimulation (games, sports, nature) and are content with video games, texting and the like. They also have trouble communicating verbally with adults and seem taken aback when confronted. **


 * 4 people I would share this with: Katie, math supervisor; Grace, technology supervisor; Chris, much younger math teacher; and Mr. Lewis, assistant principal. **
 * 1 personal would be my son, the netgenner, who might find daddy cool by knowing all of this. **

=**Reflection #6 - Last thoughts about UDL and our class.**= Certainly opened my eyes to all the technologies available and already made for teachers. Need to start implementing some in classroom. Will utilize UDL. With all technologies and websites, can be overwhelming, but that is what the condensed class is.