Reflection: A Fit and Healthy Classroom

Throughout this course, I have learned how to implement valuable strategies to create a fit and healthy classroom. Colleagues provided me with resources to use right away and course materials demonstrated guidance for proper implementation steps when using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI). Every students is different inside and out. When our goal is look and be healthier, we can not all follow the same menu and workout routines. This holds true for students in the classroom. There is not just one way. Technology has helped teachers with DI to provide such a learning environment where students can access these different menus and workouts. Teachers just need to guide and steer individuals toward success using this approach.

I use technology in my classroom often, but this course has given me ideas and direction how to benifit more students in the learning process. After reading about the importance of surveys, I can access similar student interests and learning styles to learn content deeper. In the coming months, I would like to use tech programs like the blog and wiki. students would be grouped according to interests and strengths to complete products in history and science. This would allow students a chance to express themselves through communication and collaboration with their group and other groups as we learn about new topics in class. These programs are unique because students can continually build, share, and add thoughts, ideas, and learnable content for others. This is a great way for students to learn from their peers.

A second way of using technology with DI is to establish student readiness. I typically use pre-tests to set up groups in math. Technology programs will give me a chance to provide the prper level and skills for students to be successful. There are valuable programs to meet the needs of individuals and groups when they struggle with certain math concepts. Technology also offers enrichment to students needing little or no help with math. After I teach mini-lessons in math, students typically break into stations and work on skills. One station with lap tops would be a huge help in class. Technology would assist me in differentiating for al learners. It would be like having an extra teacher.

The last plan for technology in the classroom would be for research and producing. Students were just trained how to use research tools posted on our school web-site. In class we have been learning to research topics and sharing interesting facts to the class. I plan to have students take thes interesting topics and create something through technology for other students to watch. Students will use PowerPoint, Slideshare, Webspiration, and other Digital Storyelling programs to share this new knowledge. These new tech skills will help prepare for operations needed down the road and in the outside world. This will allow students to engage in their learning.

Technology has come a long way and it changes overnight. These tech skills can benefit every learner and help with their learning. One of my colleagues said it best the other week in discussion. Teachers need to take what they can use and apply step by step. My overall goal is to apply technology in slow steps for students to gain confidence and confort, so they will learn to operate and try technological skills on their own. We can all benefit through technology. Teachers just need to take a step forward and see what works for them.