EDLD 5364 Wk 2 Reflections

Week 2 Video and Reading Reflection

In looking back at week 2, it seemed like a lot to absorb.  I wonder how much will stay in my head.  I am glad that we have videos in addition to our readings.  To be honest, I have a hard time reading tons of material, and because I am not a text only learner, I really have to try 3 times as hard as the next person to make myself sit and read.

One of the first videos that I watched dealt with learning diversity.  The video said at one point that our 21^st century classes are now filled with learners from all learning backgrounds, but haven’t many of these learners been there all along? I was one of those people who needed information in a different way, and I don’t recall not being among the rest of my classmates. It does seem that there are many new techniques to help students who learn differently.  

The Brain research video was very interesting because it showed how different parts of the brain help us learn.  I think that it tied in with the learning diversity video in that it seems to explain how we all learn, or need different ways of learning.

I also became acquainted with UDL in learning.  I realized that I have been exposed to the fundamental ideology of UDL in marketing and architecture.  I was impressed how UDL in learning creates an environment where everyone can learn. 

In looking over the readings for week 2, I was the most interested in the reading from cast.org. A segment in chapter 1 grabbed my attention which stated “in contrast, more recent theories, such as Multiple Intelligences theory (see Gardner, 1993), are consistent with what we are now discovering about the learning brain-namely that students do not have one global learning capacity, but many multifaceted learning capacities, and that a disability or challenge in one area may be countered by extraordinary ability in another” ("Education in the Digital Age," n.d.). 

Before the advent of modern classroom technologies that now accommodate different learning styles, many us that were not text only learners had difficulties learning, and therefore did not reach our full potential.  I personally like the fact that 21^st century learning is so diverse and offers so many different ways to receive information through the use of videos, interactive websites, not to mention the use of mobile devices. In a strange way, I am almost glad that I waited to continue my education because of the access to new learning tools.  I know that it has made my life much easier, and I am sure that I am not the only one.

References

The Opportunity: New Brain Research and New Technologies. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/chapter1_3.cfm

EDLD 5364 Web Conference Reflection Wk 2

I attended the web conference which was on 9.7.2013.  Dr. A was there early and speaking with a few students about grade changes.  Some terms such as Inclusion, and RTI were briefly discussed.  I am not personally familiar with RTI, so that will be a new term that I learn this week.

The main topic of the web course was Dr. A going over any last minute questions regarding week 2 and then looking over week 3, and answering any questions.  Dr. A also made mention of the use of google docs for our group project, and emphasized making adequate links to it so she and the IA’s could have access to it at a later date.

One of the last things that Dr. A talked about was the week 3 group reflection, which sounds a lot like the KWHL charts I was reading about in week 2.  She had mentioned that she wanted this group reflection to more of a conversation or dialog between the group members.  I personally think that will be interesting, and I am looking forward to seeing the outcome.