Final Post

I feel like this class should never be over and we should re-take it every couple of years. Our technology options are always changing, updating and getting better by the moment. I’m sure this process will only increase in speed in the future.  This blog is a full reflection of my learning but here are my three main take-aways.

1. Following the UDL is easier than ever with iPads. We don’t need to create brand new lessons for students but rather by providing and teaching students how to use assistive technology tools it levels the playing field. There are many ways to complete a task and our pen/paper activities place some learners at a disadvantage from the beginning.
2. Think outside the box or inside someone else’s.  Everything can be used for something. We need to think creatively and work with what we have.  And if that doesn’t work we need to share, talk and collaborate with others. There are so many things;  Book Creator, Dollar Store AT, many apps, etc. that I can’t wait to take back to school and share with my fellow teachers. We need to share with each other more and learn from each other. We also need to be able to really take on the perspectives of our students and spend some time thinking about things from their viewpoint when designing and implementing technology into their lives.
3. I used to think that I didn’t have enough time to learn assistive technology. I thought that using new programs and devices would take hours of training (okay some of them did) and I just didn’t have enough time for that. Some people were tech people and some people were not and I fit into the last category. What I’ve realized is that it is worth it to learn what new technology has to offer and that it opens up so many avenues for my teaching practices, for students learning, and for some, it provides the access needed to function in our busy world.  Technology options are beneficial to everyone! I’ve also learned that the more you use it the faster and easier it becomes.  I guess what I’m trying to say…