How can technology help with meeting students’ individual learning needs?
As I read this prompt for my blog, I immediately thought of Universal Design Learning (UDL) and Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT). I am a growth mindset kind of gal. I look for the silver linings. Throughout this global pandemic, I have found many silver linings. One that impacts my life the most for my students, is technology. Sure, I used computers in my classroom for many years. I have taught students how to type and search the internet for research reports, but this year heightened my technology skills 100%. In addition to using Zoom and Google Classroom as a virtual classroom teacher, I have also used technology to design flexible lessons for students. For example, one challenge I have each year is imprinting students' brains with multiplication facts. We teach many different visual strategies for multiplication but they don't always work for ALL learners. So this year, with the assistance of technology and "gaming", I have added another strategy to my toolbox. This one is Gimkit! I use Gimkit to create online collaborative and competitive games for students to practice their multiplication. Since the beginning of the year, I have created a safe and respectful classroom. Students not only trust me but they trust each other. Therefore I felt students were comfortable to participate in this online gaming program together. This activity allows for students to be individuals in a collectivism setting. Students know that others depend on them and therefore play their best, which results in learning. I have found that my student's this year are much further along with learning their multiplication, than in the years past. I believe the aforementioned example is an example of how I implemented UDL in my classroom. First, I found a challenge. Second, I created a goal. Finally, I analyzed my barriers. I used multiple media's to teach multiplication. I created choices of multiplication levels through the use of Gimkit. Students also had choice in the game that they chose to play. Lastly, students received feedback from each other and from me. They love the game and we all know that when we love something, we continue to do it, and in this case...learn multiplication!
2 Comments
Jamie Allison Lutz
4/11/2021 09:43:50 am
Kimberlee,
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Kelly W.
4/14/2021 05:21:26 pm
Hi Kimberlee!
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