Reflection

This course has taught me many things about differentiating instruction and using the universal design for learning in my classroom. Also, I have learned that technology is an important aspect of implementing these two strategies in any classroom. This course has helped me make adjustments to my instructional practice through the use of technology to customize instruction for each of my students.
One way I plan to customize instruction through the use of technology is to have multiple intelligence activities using technology to cater to each of my students. Having multiple intelligence activities engages students and makes the learning process interesting and fun for the students (Smith & Throne 2007). I will do this by presenting the information using various forms of media. I will use pictures, videos, and interactive software to appeal to the learning styles of my students so that they are more likely to retain the information that they need to meet the standards of the lessons and units.
Another way I will use technology to customize my instruction is by having different forms of assessment for students to choose from when demonstrating their knowledge of the material. I will have four or five options that students can choose from that all use different forms of technology that appeal to different learning styles. This way my students can decide which activity they are more comfortable with and will be more able to demonstrate the knowledge of the standards. This should make my students more comfortable with the learning process and eliminate test anxiety.
Customizing my instruction using technology has been greatly enhanced by this course. Many examples and strategies have been presented in this course have given me confidence and that these strategies work and that it will not be such a daunting task as I had once feared. If I take advantage that has been presented to me I should have not problems reaching all of my students and successfully customizing my instruction using technology to meet the needs of all of my students and their various learning styles.

Jonathan Garrett


Resources
Smith, G., & Throne, S. (2007). Differentiating instruction with technology in K-5 classrooms. Belmont, CA: International Society for Technology in Education.
Retrieved from Education Research Complete database