BY: WINONA DICKENS EDU 620: MEETING INDIVIDUAL STUDENT NEEDS WITH TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTOR: ADRIANE WHEAT

Let me begin by saying welcome to esteemed members of the school board, students and members of the community. We welcome you to our technology fair. As an educator, I hope this experience will open your eyes to the importance of technology in education and the doors this bond could open for our students.

What is UDL? Universal design for learning allows all students access to the curriculum regardless of learning style/level, disability or background. It does so by offering students multiple ways to learn, express learning and stay engaged. UDL is not about exclusion, it is about offering all students an opportunity to succeed.

Now that we know what UDL is then it’s time to put this theory into action and show how it can be used to benefit all students. The CAST UDL Lesson Builder website gives multiple examples of UDL and shows how UDL and technology work hand-in-hand in lesson plans. The following is a link to a lesson plan that I created through CAST which incorporates technology and UDL to help all students reach their full potential.

How many times have we seen this scenario? The teacher in this picture is the only one excited about the lesson. If she would offer the lesson using the principals of UDL, then the results would be much different. UDL has a huge impact on teaching and learning for our PK – 12 th grade population by offering them different ways to learn, express their learning and stay engaged. By using differentiated instruction like computer games, whiteboard, or even interactive classroom discussion, students will be engaged and excited about their learning. UDL and differentiation go hand- in-hand by not forcing students to fit in a single mold but accommodating and rewarding each student’s individuality.

If you would like to learn more about how UDL can be used in the classroom, pick up a tablet and go to one of the following websites. Some of these websites offer interactive learning games while others give video examples of UDL being used in the classroom:    w3m80&spfreload=10 w3m80&spfreload=10

MISSION STATEMENT: To deliver effective instruction that educates and equips students for success in a technology-driven global society. BELIEFS:  We believe differentiation and UDL are the key to meeting the individual needs of all students.  We believe that the integration of technology will offer differentiation and prepare students for the 21 st century global society. GOALS:  Provide learners with engaging and differentiated learning experiences that meet their individual needs through the use of UDL and technology.  Provide high school students with a learning environment that exposes them to a variety of activities and equip them with the 21 st century career skills needed to succeed.  Provide high school students with a learning environment that exposes them to a variety of engaging learning experiences that prepare them for college.

Some courses and programs that are offered that incorporate technology and career skills at the high school level are: Cosmetology, Auto Body, Computer Tech, Criminal Justice and Culinary Arts. Technology and 21 st century skills can also be seen at the elementary and middle school level through interactive programs like math media educational software, reading kingdom and storyline online.

Computer Tech is one of the courses offered. This is a very fast-growing field and this course will prepare students for a job in the technology industry. 21 st Century Skills taught: Information, media and technology skills Life and career skills Learning and innovation skills ITC Literacy outcomes are also addressed through this course.

Technology is even being used in classes such as cosmetology. Students are now able to access their books online anywhere. There are also interactive virtual sites the students can use to learn hair and make-up tips and techniques. Some of these sites are: Are you creative enough to be a hair stylist or make-up artist? Pick up a tablet and try your hand at a few.

If you’re like me, you would give anything to ensure your children have a successful and happy future. This bond would allow that. The benefits that this bond would give our students would far outweigh the cost. Here is just a few ways: Provide differentiation in the classroom to ensure students are reaching their full potential. Prepare students for a 21 st century technological world. Excite and engage students which creates life-long learners.

Edyburn, D. L. (2013). Inclusive technologies: Tools for helping diverse learners achieve academic success. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Inclusive technologies: Tools for helping diverse learners achieve academic success Education Portal (n.d.) What is adult college education? Retrieved from What is adult college education? Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education ( Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (n.d.). Career and technical education related links. Retrieved from Career and technical education related links Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (n.d.). Framework for 21st century learning. Retrieved from Framework for 21st century learning Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (n.d.). ICT Literacy. Retrieved from ICT Literacy.