Reflection for ED6714

Universal design and differentiated instruction have been discussed in great detail throughout this course. Prior to this course I was of the belief that I had a good understanding of differentiated instruction, but was a little unsure of the concept of universal design. From the discussions and resources provided throughout this course, it is apparent to me that they not only go hand in hand, but they are also a necessity to providing students with individualized educational opportunities.

The beginning of a new school year is upon us and in order to get to know my students’ personal interests; I plan on implementing the student survey created within week two of the course. This survey not only has questions about personal likes and dislikes, but it also contains questions about personal learning preferences. The student interest survey will provide me with a snapshot of my students and would allow me to begin to adapt curriculum to meet all of their unique needs.

In addition to my student survey, I will also be able to make use of the plethora of resources that were provided throughout the course on our group’s differentiated station page. These resources provide me with not only the tools to differentiate instruction, but also different lessons and activities that incorporate the use of technology to enable students to have access to the same curriculum, but in a way that is more acceptable and pleasing to their individual needs.

Once students’ academic abilities have been assessed using both different forms of technology and written formats, students will then be provided with differentiated activities that build on their strengths while depleting their weaknesses. Some examples of resources that I will use to differentiate learning are online reading resources such as ebooks and electronic book readers. These tools will allow those students who have difficulty reading or language barriers to have the text read to them while viewing the words. I will also make use of the digital story telling software and presentation software that will allow my students to express their learning in unique ways.

I am excited to begin this new school year. I have already met with colleagues and discussed plans for creating lessons that are not only universal in design, but differentiated to meet the needs of our students. Differentiation is not an easy approach to education, but once stock of knowledge and skills have been built, differentiation will be second nature.