Vision Statement
Technology should frequently be leveraged for learning and should be used by both teachers and students in order to enhance the learning experience. When reflecting on my vision for technology in schools, I envision the three major components of technology in education working together as one integrated team: instructional, informational, and assistive. It is my belief that true success can only occur if these three departments work collectively. I envision a teacher utilizing the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to incorporate instructional and assistive technologies simultaneously within the same learning environment to reach the needs of all learners. Technology and UDL principles work seamlessly together. Teachers can easily provide scaffolds, supports, and challenges for students by reaching the three core principles of UDL: multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement. While these principles are typically thought of as most appropriate for our students with disabilities, I believe these principles can have a positive impact on all students.
Digital equity is almost always an obstacle in some form or another. Even if we can get devices in the hands of all students at school, we need to ensure they will have equitable access to teachers who can provide them with learning experiences that leverage that technology. I would like to see teachers taking advantage of the opportunities technology provides for personalized, authentic learning. Not only should teachers create personalized learning experiences for students, but teachers should also create authentic, meaningful learning experiences- moving past the lower levels of thinking. This means that in order for us to come close to closing the gap in achieving digital equity, our teachers need to be supported in this type of pedagogy.
NATIONAL CENTER ON UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING, AT CAST. (2014, July 31). UDL and Technology. Retrieved April 15, 2018, from http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udltechnology
Digital equity is almost always an obstacle in some form or another. Even if we can get devices in the hands of all students at school, we need to ensure they will have equitable access to teachers who can provide them with learning experiences that leverage that technology. I would like to see teachers taking advantage of the opportunities technology provides for personalized, authentic learning. Not only should teachers create personalized learning experiences for students, but teachers should also create authentic, meaningful learning experiences- moving past the lower levels of thinking. This means that in order for us to come close to closing the gap in achieving digital equity, our teachers need to be supported in this type of pedagogy.
NATIONAL CENTER ON UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING, AT CAST. (2014, July 31). UDL and Technology. Retrieved April 15, 2018, from http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udltechnology