Reflecting on Reaching and Engaging All Learners

This class has been a very useful review and more in depth look at UDL and differentiated instruction. I have learned that it is important to differentiate for process and product. I have a responsibility to my students to reach them at their varying levels of readiness; homogeneous groups can aid in this. I also need to account for interest and learning styles in differentiating lessons.

Sometimes the simplest technology can help. Word can be very useful to aid students with disabilities: they can enlarge print, use the text-to-speech feature of the computer, insert visuals when words escape them, or use the visuals just to enhance the words. I am going to immediately start using the simple tools at my disposal more effectively. I already use a SMART Board, a clicker response system, and the computer lab for student projects. I can start using these things more effectively. I have promised my students to give them more choice in their products, and technology can help with that.

I have my group’s differentiation station bookmarked and will continue to refer back to it for ideas. I hope my classmates will also continue to use it. Maybe we will be able to keep it active.