Technology in MD 400 and UDL

The technology that we have been taught through this course definitely falls under what UDL stands for. Different kinds of students benefit in a variety of ways but so does the teacher in the classroom that incorporates these kinds of programs.

Students with special needs can have differentiated instruction that uses technology to make learning easier and success attainable. Regular ed students also benefit by having a wide array of options at their fingertips. Students can pick and choose from various programs or types of media when creating work. This increases the chance that they will have a vested interest in their work but will also allow them to shine in whatever their strengths may be.

Teachers benefit from using technology because it provides them with a mixed bag of tricks when approaching learning. They no longer have to stick with paper and pencil or textbook but can use a variety of other technological resources. This creates opportunities for interactive learning. Providing students with more freedom in how they produce work creates happier students and extends the possibilities. Teachers may find themselves with students producing work that they hadn't thought possible. This makes for a more interesting and effective career as an educator.

I fully intend on incorporating the technology from this course in my classroom. I feel it is important to have a variety of resources available for students so that I can better suit their different learning styles. With that comes the responsibility to learn about the programs available and the issues that may arise in using them within my class. Still, I feel the responsibility is worthwhile given the gains students and teachers can make in using the technology that continues to emerge.