Karen+T

**__5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Daily Reflection__** == 5 new technologies to try == Vittle : video lessons Wordle.net: (posters) Symbaloo : visual way to organize social networking Dropbox.com: (“USB” online: storing materials online) Loc.gov: (library of congress)

** 5 new technologies to try **

**Glogster**: for online –live posters **Schoology** //:// social network that makes it easy to create and share academic content ==== **4 ideas to share with others (either that you've learned here or you've learned elsewhere)** ====
 * Texting **: to give students incentive to text in Italian about class discussions, vocabulary
 * Go animate **: make a video
 * Vozme **: text to speech

Lee Lefever: explains things in Plain English (commoncraft.com) tagxedo.om – like wordle but can include images Symbaloo: visual way to organize social networking Glogster.com (online posters)

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

Voki : text to speech The monkey business allusion Blabberize: make photos talk xtranormal : avatars talking to each other Jing

====**3 principles of Universal Design for Learning**====

Provide Multiple Means of Representation Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression Provide Multiple Means of Engagement

====**3 principles of Universal Design for Learning**====

Provide Multiple Means of Representation Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression Provide Multiple Means of Engagement

====**2 changes in your teaching to reach all learners in the Digital Age**====

Allow more flexibility in the ways students can demonstrate what they have learned (products) Allow myself to be disturbed and use more technology in the classroom ("allow myself to be confused"

====**2 changes in your teaching to reach all learners in the Digital Age**====

Challenge myself to use at least one digital tool per semester allow students to text each other in class as long as it is in Italian.

Have students brainstorm using "wordle" to create a poster of everything they have learned this year
 * 1 BIG idea to implement on Monday**

Use Quizlet for students to practice / drill vocabulary online
 * 1 BIG idea to implement on Monday**

Reflection #1

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?

I agree to an extent because the flexibility of the curriculum, for the most part, stretches only as far as the individual presenting it. Also, the availability of materials, and the integrity of the materials poses limits.

"Teaching to the Test" certainly does not help because it takes away from time for creativity, thinking outside the box and practical applications.

On the other hand, the delivery method used may or may no be disabling because it may / may not reach all learning styles.

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?

Curriculum is usually created using textbooks as a guide and in this "digital era" it might be beneficial to completely revamp it using less of the textbook and more of the digital tools. Due to the fact that curriculum is not too flexible - "teach to the test"- it poses limits on the creativity.

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?

Using a variety of materials and methods can address the needs of the diverse learners within our classrooms thus increasing students' ownership of the content and of their own learning.

Variety will help students reduce stress and anxiety because they will be able to produce the same results just by using means that align with their own learning styles. This also gives room for flexibility and thinking outside the box.

The main challenge I see for my subject in particular is that materials are hard to find; consequently, I have to spend much time actually making the material instead of finding ways to make it more "universal."

Reflection #4

What barriers are inherent in traditional assessments? What are the challenges in offering varied options for assessment?

Traditional assessments are "old school;" therefore, designed for one type of student, most likely the "gold" personality type. It's also a "one size fits all," which unfortunately neglects great majority of our students. In other words, they are not "Universally Designed."

Varied options for assessments poses a burden on the the teacher who has to prepare it.

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?

I don't think is a matter of letting teachers choose to incorporate technology in their instructions; instead, it comes down to how confident and prepared teachers are to start incorporating it. Districts should first invest in worthwhile trainings conducted by true experts specifically designed to prepare teachers. I can think of many colleagues who love what they know technology can do for them; however, they just know the "WHAT," not the "HOW."


 * Culminating Activity #3 **


 * Who are these Net Genners?**

-Savvy -Challengers -Innovative -Spontaneous -Dynamic


 * 4 ppl in prof & 1 personal I would share this with**

3 Colleagues 1 Department supervisor

1- Oder sister who is also a teacher

Reflection #6

I had a great time in your class! Thanks for understanding my "motherly" needs, and for the free advise!