Universal Design for Learning

It just blew me away to come across this again in this course. But as I reflected on where I first came across UDL, I wasn't so surprised. I was introduced to UDL and CAST book builder at the VSTE conference last year (2/09). I went on from there to give my own presentation on CAST book builder at our district's "Parent University" as I felt it would be extremely helpful to students who are struggling readers and writers.
So now I'm wondering what it is about me that lets me forget about such a wonderful resource? Or have I avoided using it because I couldn't get a classroom teacher to collaborate? Had I acted sooner, I could have had the second graders take pictures of the animal habitat dioramas they made and then have them write a description. We could have made a book! As it is I'm mulling some ideas on civilizations and trying to find a common enough thread.
My biggest difficulty in incorporating technology is equitable access--I only have 10 computers available for student use; classes are at least 20 students--and the teachers at my school are like steel rods when it comes to asking for flexability. I have no adaptive technology (mice, keyboards). I've noticed in our district those tools only come about if they are written into the IEP.
I also believe we are doing our students, especially the disadvantaged ones, a grave disservice by not incorporating keyboarding into education earlier than middle school. I truly wonder how much of a student's creativity is stifled because she gets fed up with trying to find the right letters on the keyboard. Never mind the absolute time drain hunt-and-peck typing is. And when I only get the kids for 30 minutes once a week, I can't afford to have them take 15 minutes to type out a sentence.

Capstone Assignment--Join a Social Network and Convince a Colleague to do the Same

I recommend Classroom 2.0 for those of us interested in understanding 21st century learning and learners and how technology facilitates and integrates into our lessons. It describes itself as “social network for those interested in Web 2.0 and collaborative technologies in education.” As we are firm supporters of Web 2.0 (using the interactivity of technology, the give and take aspect, the interchange and collaborative creation of information), Classroom 2.0 gives us a wonderful support network for asking questions and seeking information.
I myself hope to find help with this Capstone class I am in, as well as a sounding board for some of my technology ideas. That many of the members are working in classrooms and libraries means my questions will be asked of real “troops in the trenches” so to speak. Already there are posts about creating class websites and using FLIP video cameras with students, both of which I hope to do with my students. I already see how you can post a request for help with the digitally interactive Virginia timeline you want the 5th graders to create.
Truly, in looking at Classroom 2.0, I think it would be beneficial to create a Capstone group and open up membership so we can get further input from others who are integrating technology in education not as part of a course assignment, but for the benefit of our students.

Lost in the Blogosphere

So how does one go about getting people to read and comment on one's blog? Right now, I feel my blog is rather silly. Who cares what I've got to say about anything? And the lack of comments just prove that correct. But I suppose when any of us sit down and create a blog, the key motivating factor is internal, not external. We have thoughts we want expressed, but we want to carefully express them. And we want them clarified so that someone else reading them has a clue what we're going on about.
So as far as writing instruction, blogs are definitely a 21st century learning tool that need incorporation. However, to truly and effectively incorporate blogs, at what point in the educational hiearchy do we start teaching keyboarding? I know in Virginia it isn't an "SOL" (Standards of Learning), so the time devoted to it in instruction is zero. We have a typing program on our server, yet I don't see teachers using that for "free time." Instead, they let the kids get on the computer and play games (most of which have some tie to education). But for our digital natives, keyboarding needs to go side by side with Denalian lettering if we hope to tap into 21st century learning technology.

Ta-Da! Web 2.0 Here I Come

Well, here's my blog (named in honor of Hermione Granger's favorite room--the library). In all honesty I have created blogs before. I think my problem is advertising--I need to get more exposure on my blog and start reading and responding to more blogs.


As for the class, it's really causing me to think. Right now, the readings, videos, and postings are in heavy competition with HP Book 6; I'd have to say it's tied. (Part of me is quite fascinated with the success of Harry Potter with our digital natives as Harry's world is very old-fashioned and un-modern).


From what we've covered so far in class, it is obvious that we are in the midst of a paradigmatic shift and education needs to catch on and keep up. Actually, the paradigm probably has already shifted and we're just now really waking up to it (glad I read Thomas Kuhn). Right now our students eagerly sit down at the computer (I teach at the elementary level). But when they find out they have to read the information, take notes, and use it in an assignment, their enthusiasm fades. Too many of the younger students simply play games on the computer. So for me the question is how can I use a tool such as blogging to transition the students to more meaningful computer experiences? Obviously a good start would be to have them post comments about their favorite gaming sites. I also want to try having them post a comment about the stories we read together during our library time. From here I can launch a more complex book review/dialogue blog with the older students and see where they take me!