UDL at CMSCE, Rutgers University

We’re going to revisit Twitter today. Twitter is just one of the many ways to network with educators.

There are several things to consider before you dive into using Twitter though:

Look at the image of the “Networked Teacher”. What other tools appeal to you to communicate, collaborate and share resources with fellow educators? Share or Tweet your comment.

This past September, we embarked on a professional development journey designed to help us think more creatively and deeply to build skills utilizing flexible, digital media to engage all learners and promote learning in the classroom. We have identified tools designed to engage learners in the various content areas. We have also explored tools to promote collaboration with students, colleagues, and parents. Along the way, we have used surveys to understand how colleagues and students use technology with the goal to turnkey information and invite other teachers to join us on the journey.

The question that remains to be asked is, “How has UDL changed your job?”
Read Anita’s blog post and then share your thoughts on Anita’s blog and on our UDL blog. Let’s celebrate how far we have come and how much we have grown.

Today we will review the nominees for the 2008 Edublogs Awards. Make sure you visit the Best New Blog category and vote for our own Lisa Thumann.

After reviewing blogs created by educators from around the world, identify
the blog that you predict will be the most valuable to you. How will this
website contribute to your professional learning? How will it ultimately
impact student learning? Who would you recommend read this blog? Finally,
describe the type of blog you are looking for and maybe someone can
recommend one for you to check out.

Well if you’ve made it as far as this blog then you’ve made it past the first couple of hours of UDL training. Congratulations! You now have the basic understanding that Universal Design for Learning is the framework for something that you’ve been working so hard as an educator to do for your students this year and possibly for many years past as well.

Please read the article, “Burbank Students Use Blog to Learn English”, by Kim Minugh found at http://www.sacbee.com/220/story/846880.html and comment on the The Best Reference Websites For English Language Learners that Larry Ferlazzo shares in his blog to help educators meet the needs of all students.

Today we reviewed the characteristics of useful digital media and evaluated websites to determine how we could utilize them in the UDL classroom to support the learning of all students. Choose a website, or digital resource, and write a recommendation for teaching colleagues. Name the site, or tool, explain why the teacher should consider it, and describe how it could be used in the UDL classroom. Use those persuasive skills to get colleagues to use new tools to ensure that all students learn.

Today we have looked at the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and actual lessons. Examining the students we teach, we explored ways to apply Universal Design for Learning and use digital media to reach every learner in our classrooms.

Before you leave today, think about the resources and links we have discussed and explored.

In your comments:
1. Explain how digital media can support learning in your classroom.
2. Share one piece of digital media you plan to use and provide a link so others can view it.
3. Explain how this digital media will engage learners.

We’ve spent a lot of time working on our Toolkit today. You’ve reviewed a handful of tools that you may or may not want to use in your classroom. Please, before you leave, do one of the following:

1. Leave a comment here discussing which tool was your favorite, why and how specifically you see using it with your class.

2. Visit Ira Socol’s blog and read his post from April 9 called Not Getting to Universal Design. Please leave Ira a comment on his blog.

3. Visit Heather’s del.icio.us links and/or Lisa’s del.icio.us links and choose another tool tagged “UDL”. Leave a comment here letting us know which tool you selected. Be prepared to demonstrate the tool the next time we meet as a group.

We hope the theories behind Universal Design for Learning are all coming together for you and that you are excited to implement the strategies in your classrooms.

Well if you’ve made it as far as this blog then you’ve made it past the first couple of hours of UDL training. Congratulations! You now have the basic understanding that Universal Design for Learning is the framework for something that you’ve been working so hard as an educator to do for your students this year and possibly for many years past as well.

Please read the article, “Burbank Students Use Blog to Learn English”, by Kim Minugh found at http://www.sacbee.com/220/story/846880.html and comment on the digital project that Larry Ferlazzo designed in collaboration with other educators to help his students learn to become more fluent in English.

Today we reviewed the characteristics of useful digital media and evaluated websites to determine how we could utilize them in the UDL classroom to support the learning of all students. Choose a website, or digital resource, and write a recommendation for teaching colleagues. Name the site, or tool, explain why the teacher should consider it, and describe how it could be used in the UDL classroom. Use those persuasive skills to get colleagues to use new tools to ensure that all students learn.

Lisa Parisi, is a 5th grade teacher in Long Island. After years of both good and bad experiences in working in a co-teaching situation, she has compiled her 4 rules for a successful inclusive classroom. Is there anything that you would add to this list? Would you take anything away? Please comment here.

Today’s presentation can be found online at SlideShare.net.