Andrea+Dykes

This is the html page I made for my ISTC 301 course in the Spring 2012 semester.

media type="custom" key="12848964" This is my personal vocki created to discuss the Technology Standards for educators.

**Responses/Reflection to Learning Styles and CAST Website Resources**

The CAST website is a great resource tool providing information on the idea of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in addition to learning style differences. We were assigned to take a learning style survey over the internet to determine how we learn best. I have taken many of these tests including similar multiple intelligences quizzes and have determined that I am a tactile/kinesthetic learner; this survey served as a confirmation of my learning style. Kinesthetic learners learn best when involved in hands-on activities in a physically active environment. The survey suggested an approach to studying that I commonly use; flashcards. However, instead of reading the information to myself as I usually do, the survey suggested that I read this information out loud to help memorize it.

My overall impression of the CAST website was that it was very informational and provided many resources that can be very beneficial in the classroom. The information presented in the media book, //Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age: Universal Design for Learning// was somewhat dry, however, it presented the necessary information every successful teacher should know about UDL, its implications and intent. The model lessons and tools and activities sections of the website are very useful for current teachers. The tools and activities provide ideas on how to address each student’s learning style individually, but also engaging the students. As a future teacher, I plan to keep in mind the idea of UDL and will pursue to implement this approach to address the various learning styles encompassed by my students. One idea that presented in the text that I plan to take with me into my teaching is to have many different methods of assessing my students in which they can choose from. Assessment is where teachers can reflect on their teaching and students can demonstrate what they have learned. If the assessment procedure is not one the student is comfortable with, how can they efficiently demonstrate their understanding?

Both the UDL survey and the exploration of //Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age: Universal Design for// Learning have reinforced my ideas about differentiated instruction and how important this concept is. Every student has a unique learning style, or combination of learning styles. A one-size-fits-all approach is not beneficial to each and every student. Teachers are to carefully determine the appropriate medium to use based on the students’ strengths and weakness and the task at hand. CAST has a few lesson plans involving differentiated instruction of certain material at different grade levels. I hope to explore more of these lesson plans to gain insight and ideas to incorporate into my future teaching. I believe CAST has developed a productive approach to differentiated instruction, and with this approach put into place, all students have a greater chance of achieving and succeeding.



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**Virtual Field Trip Reflection **

I very much enjoyed experiencing this virtual field trip and learning about the process of whaling, its traditions, and the customs of the Iñupiaq people. I was clueless as to what whaling was and the effects it had on the marine population. I enjoyed the many different topics the site presented including the history of whaling, its purpose, the various marine animals that were hunted, information about how the bowhead whales were in danger of becoming extinct, and even the advancement in whaling today. This virtual field trip presented information that could have been found in a textbook or supplemental reading material, however, chose to display it in a fun, interesting, appealing, and interactive format.

I believe virtual field trips are an awesome tool that can be used in the classroom, especially for underprivileged students and low-income schools that cannot afford to take field trips. The virtual field trips can be used as a resource in educating students through non-traditional means such as lectures and textbooks. I plan to incorporate these field trips into my teaching and implement them as whole class activities, center time, and even allow my students to explore them in their free time.

Check out my Rainforest Moviemaker Video! 