3 Takeaways from Class #3

Dinner Party

The Dinner Party activity was such an eye opener for me. It really put the difference between UDL and DI into perspective for me. Throughout this past school year, I’ve been trying to understand more about UDL in the perspective of the Responsive Teaching and Learning system that we have in our school system right now.  Everyone kept telling me “Teach to the edges, teach to the edges.” But what did that really mean to me as a teacher and how could I implement that into my daily classroom teaching? After participating in the activity and seeing how different groups took on the task, I started to see the difference between differentiated instruction and universal design for learning. I watched the video and read the article by Katie Novak which I found very beneficial and gave even more clarification on the difference between the two terms. 

Apps

As with class #2, I found the overview that Barbara gave on the various apps that are available very beneficial.  Some of these apps included Speech Tutor, iMovie, Voice Dream Reader and Immersive Reader (Chrome extension for reading websites). Having a repertoire of available apps and websites to use for different types of learners is very helpful to have on hand. I am looking forward to using these apps with my students and also sharing them with my colleagues. 

Read and Write 4 Google Chrome

Getting the time to work in my group for our Read and Write for Google Chrome Presentation was very beneficial. It is allowing us the time to explore and learn all the features that are available within the toolbars.  Read and Write is an excellent tool that can and should be utilized for all students and also holds many benefits for teachers as well.  I am currently completing the Read and Write Level I certification. Read and Write for Google Chrome fits well into the Universal Design for Learning concept.  Here in Newfoundland, it is only available to students who have a diagnosed LD. I wish that it was available to ALL students.