EDLD+5364+Reflections

__**Week 1 Reflections**__

The readings from this week in the course brought many ideas and theories to the fore front. One of the three main theories that were presented were Constructivism, which basically believes that everything that people learn are build upon prior knowledge. The individual does not stop learn, they just build on what they already know. The next main theory presented was Connectivism that basically believes that learning is done primarily through networking. The individual learns from the internal and external networks. The final theory and I personally think the most controversial is the Cyborg Learning theory. This is a theory that believes that cyborgs, part human and part machine, will be the next phase of evolution for mankind. These new species of cyborg's will be superior to regular humans since they are able to retrieve information in an instant through their technology implants.


 * __ Week 2 Reflections __

** The readings from this week were very insightful. They helped bring up new ideas on how all students are able to learn with technology. The one major concept that really grabbed my attention was UDL (Universal Design for Learning). The idea of using teaching strategies and technologies that are meant to help challenged students but in essence helps all students succeed is phenomenal. Through the theory of Multiple Intelligences by Gardner, the UDL shows how students can not just learn through one means but rather many different means or strategies.

I think to me the next big idea from this week's reading was the research on the impact of education technology on student achievement. I was wonderful to see how through so many different programs and research that technology is being shown to help students succeed academically. This is something I feel all students need to get exposed to; technology is the way of the future and by being exposed to it now students can do gain ground on their academic scores as well as get to know and use the technology they will have to master in order to become a productive member of society.

The readings from this week were very informative and brought many good ideas to the table. One of the main concepts that first jumped out to me was the concept of using UDL (Universal Design for Learning) to set and reach clear goals for all students. With the use of UDL, all students, both regular and special needs, can gain a clear concept and knowledge base that will help them succeed educationally and eventually in life as a whole. The next great idea, or rather, teacher resource/tool from this week was the use of the UDl Book Builder. I found this tool to be very useful in creating custom made books for students of all ages. This tool helps teachers to focus or narrow in the items the students need to know and at the same time give students who may be struggling a new way to learn the information in a easy to use, read, and understand package.
 * __ Week 3 Reflections __**

Looking back over the UDl Lesson Plan Builder I think it is a great resource for all teachers in any subject content. The layout of the online program is very user friendly and the hints that point you back to the book are very helpful. It is a great way to make a quick lesson plan online that will benefit all students.
 * __ Week 3 UDL Lesson Reflection __**

__** Week 4 Reflections **__ The readings from this week were full of greats ideas and concepts but the following were the ones that really stood out to me. The first main concept from the readings that came to me was the use of UDL for accurate and fair classroom assessments. One of the biggest flaws with the education system is the lack of accurate and fair means to assess our students knowledge and learning. In the state of Texas, the use of the TAKS test is by far the biggest joke and really does not measure what knowledge a student has gained through the course of a school year. With the use of UDL in assessment, students knowledge gains can be measured more accoruatly with the increase of adaptation and accommodations.

The next major concept of the week was the McREL technology initative. This massive look at the technology needs and strategies used to help students learn and succeed academically is a great teaching tool for all teachers and the report is a great read for all teachers regardless of the grade or subject matter they may teach.

__** Week 5 Reflections **__ The readings from this week were short and to the main point of the course and the reason why we are teachers, how can we use technology, more importantly Web 2.0 tools to enhance our students learning and show to them the importance of effort in everything they do. It is very important that our students know that when they try something they should always give their very best, even if they fail. Too many of our students lack the skills to deal with failure and often give up frustrated and may never try something new again in fear of that frustration. We as teachers need to show them that it is okay to fail but they must always give all their effort. Furthermore we must also make our students accountable for their actions as well as their learning. We as teachers are responsible for giving them knowledge and the students need to be responsible for receiving and ensuring they are grasping the concepts.