The UDL Classroom

Universal Design for Learning is a global educational practice which is now being followed by educators and institutions alike. The actual policies for the implementation of UDL were developed by CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) that essentially empowers the learner to create their own pathway within a curriculum. This theory has been recognized by the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA).  There are several challenges that stand as an obstruction to the effective implementation of UDL theory and practice.

Many educators have a misconception that UDL is all about using technology in imparting education. UDL is not a technology dependent educational instruction method, but the imparting of education in compliance with UDL theory can be accentuated with the use of technology. The technologies used do not replace traditional teacher instruction, but make it easier for students to develop their own learning pathway to comprehend new concepts and curriculum.  Technology can act as an adaptive tool that can enhance UDL principles. CAST offers an extensive number of videos and training material that is available on their web site.

UDL application should access the whole curriculum which includes the goals of education, the method of delivery, assessment and the specific materials used. Proper implementation of the UDL policy requires a system that oversees all of these aspects. Digital technologies are not the key to the implementation of UDL, but several technological aspects like alternative keyboards, text-to-speech readers, and screen enlargers etc. work to make learning easier for students. CAST has developed a well explained system which guides educators to implement UDL without the help of any technical product.

The current monolithic, one size fits all, structure of public education can make implementation of UDL practices challenging. Finding the necessary funds for the awareness and distribution of technical material for UDL has also been recognized as a challenge. There are organizations and even funds available from government and non-profit organization which will help to meet the goal of distributing UDL principles nationwide.

Tablet Screen Size:  How to choose

    In the last few years the tablet PC market went from virtually nothing to one of the most popular types of devices sold today.  These compact computers are perfect for people to do their everyday computing from reading to playing games and even learning on.  The new Kindle Fire from Amazon was expected by many to be a game changing advancement in this market because of its low price and impressive specs but many people have found that the 7’’ screen of the Kindle fire might be just to small for the classroom.
    The tablet computer has become a popular new item in many different classrooms because they are so easy to carry around and can still display full websites without any trouble.  When the screen is compressed down to the 7 inch size, however, usability can start to get tricky.  Most people are used to using the condensed ‘mobile versions’ of sites on their phones but had higher expectations on their tablet device. 
    There are options available to make the kindle default to mobile versions of websites, that is not the solution many people were hoping for.  Full desktop versions of websites often have far more features and content which is important for proper use of the internet.  Since the majority of people want to have a tablet PC in addition to a phone, they don’t want to have to deal with mobile versions of sites which they could do on their phone already.
    While the Kindle e-reader has done much to revolutionize how people read books, the same can not be said of the Kindle Fire tablet.  Many customers purchasing this device would like to be able to use it as an aid to furthering their education without having to carry around a laptop to every class.  Unfortunately with the small screen size it is impossible to type efficiently or use it to browse educational websites effectively. 
    While the difference in the 7 inch screen of the kindle and the 10 inch screen of many other tablets may seem relatively small, it actually makes a huge impact.  Between trying to accurately use the touch screen to navigate through a cramped website and trying to fit fingers on the screen for typing, this smaller screen is thought by many to be just too small.  Having the extra three inches is enough to make everything just that much easier to use.
    When choosing which tablet to purchase for educational uses it is wise to take each size for a test and see what feels the best.  Use each tablet for everything from typing to browsing the internet, and of course, playing games, and see if the size of the screen is sufficient with a 7 inch model.  Many will find that once they give the different sized tablets a try, the 10 inch options are much more user friendly and easier to use.

Learning Styles: Myths & Fallacies

Learning styles consist of a preferred mode of learning that is believed to be best suited to the individual.   Some mobile developers are designing apps to cash in on the learning styles theory.  Educators also often believe that adjusting to learning styles makes it easier for the learner to gain information. The definition of learning styles has been constantly changing, ever since it was popularized, and has been under the spotlight for over 50 years. The most commonly known basic concept of the learning styles is connected with the bodily senses (visual, auditory or kinesthetic); through which one acquires the understanding of one’s surrounding. There is yet to be a tactile (sense of touch) or an olfactory (sense of smell) learner. There are doubts to the validity of this theory, as there is yet to be credible scientific evidence that supports it.

It is true that each learner is different and that these differences affect their performances in the classroom. People vary in their capacity to learn different areas of their content. Retention of content may be due to certain factors such as genetics, experiences and upbringing.  Often linked with ability, students differ in their interests.  If a student has fascination in music, he would have more enthusiasm to learn to play the piano compared to when studying mathematics, for example.  Saying that learning styles do not exist does not mean that all learners are the same, instead we acknowledge and put forward the logical factors such as interests, knowledge and ability that combine to make the individual learner different from one another and consequently associated with the affects of their learning.

Learning styles, according to the advocates are not “better” or “faster” but purely “styles”. Under controlled conditions, a test was conducted to research evidence to these tendencies. There is no difference in result as to which learning style is chosen. Learning is the same whether students learn in the preferred learning style or not.  The only exception to this is kinesthetic learning.  For example, it is more appropriate to teach football in the form of practice sessions in the fields rather than learning it in the classroom, even though you claim that you learn better through visual or auditory means and not kinesthetic.

The bottom line is there is not enough verification to support that adapting curriculum to learning styles alone will make a significant difference.  School districts should be take a second look at software and apps that claim to adapt to student learning styles.  Some students may prefer to learn in certain ways they feel they are able to succeed in, but there is no scientific proof that by following such learning style, there will be better results. Finding the most proper way to present information will depend on the students who are learning, their interest and the content of the subject.

Who should decide what students learn?

Who should determine what students learn in the classroom?  With so much focus recently on advancements in educational technology and alternative learning environments, little attention has been paid to determining what students should actually learn.  As recently as this past week, the focus of the education world did an about face and some attention was paid to that very basic, but extremely important question.

The issue began last week when Governor Niki Haley provided her support for a bill in the South Carolina legislature that aims to block the use of the Common Core Standards for students in the state she leads.  According to the letter sent by Governor Haley to the South Carolina legislature, she believes that local government should retain as much control as possible, which includes determining the educational objectives of the students in her state.

For Haley, this raises three major issues.  First, South Carolina has already joined 45 states across the US in adopting the Common Core Standards.  Second, educators in the state of South Carolina are largely in favor of the Common Core.  Third, many parents and legislators disagree with this move by the governor.

So perhaps an even bigger question, than the one proposed at the beginning of this article, is how will all of this play out?  If the state of South Carolina ultimately decides to reverse course and reject the Common Core Standards, is it possible that other states might follow suit?  If so, how many..... and what might the ramifications be for new educational technologies that are geared toward tying the Common Core Standards into the learning experience?  More importantly, what effects might this ultimately have on our students?

K-12 Education Technology Trends to Look Out For in 2012

K-12 Education Technology Trends to Look Out For in 2012

January 10, 2012

THE Journal

D. A. Barber

Education technology experts forecast an increased emphasis on individualism in education technology software and programs. New software for digital textbooks will tailor resources for each individual student’s learning process. The majority of students in the classroom have access to hand held technology and experts see a push to develop applications to use these devices as learning tools in the classroom and at home. The increase in personalized learning environments for students creates a new role for the students as a collaborator in the creation of curriculum rather than just the learner.

An article posted in THE Journal quotes Karen Cator, the United States Department of Education’s director of technology, “There are a few trends worth watching this next year. I would say the expansion of mobile devices is one, expansion of ever improving digital content is another, and the expansion of social networking for learning is another.”

An increase in handheld devices within the classroom can open doors to new learning opportunities, but can also create a variety of new distractions for students. Check out the rest of D.A. Barber’s article in THE Journal about educational trends in 2012 to read more and let us know if you think that as technology continues to advance in the classroom, can it create more distractions from learning?

http://thejournal.com/articles/2012/01/10/5-k-12-ed-tech-for-2012.aspx

Why Education Technology May Have To Wait For The Mainstream

The education technology industry has grown to be a $32.1 billion per-year market. It continues to receive support from big names and large corporations, but there is still some hesitation from educators. E-learning initiatives have been built into school budget plans, but those education departments are concerned that technology advanced teaching programs are failing to be effective and accessible to all students. The fear that as technology advances rapidly, educational software programs are marketed to schools as the next best thing, rather than the most effective teaching method. There is no doubt that technology in the classroom can aid to a students learning, but the big question is how? John Keller, assistant superintendent for technology at the Indiana Department of Education asks the question, “How will these tools inside the school and inside the learning context be put to good use, not just a doing these things differently, but doing different things?”

Another prominent challenge is the “digital divide” among students who has access to technology outside of school and those who do not. Not only is there a barrier to access for students, but textbook companies continue to create roadblocks in the development of new technology.

So the question is how can educational technology be successfully implemented into the classroom? Can too much technology begin to adversely affect students performance?

Original article posted by Kyle Stokes, October 18, 2011, for StateImpact Indiana on National Public Radio (NPR).

Obama Launches "Digital Promise"

There has been a rise in the use of technology in the classroom. Schools have made room in their budgets for computer labs, smart boards, educational software and even personal iPads for students. The White House has recently announced the launch of “Digital Promise,” a nonprofit initiative meant to promote the use of technology in the classroom. This program will help make education technology available for more schools and educators. The program will bring together educators and technology innovators to develop new educational technologies. Educators will be asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the software.

Digital Promise’s board consists of leaders in technology and education that have been appointed by Congress recommendation. The TechAmerica Foundation will assemble a commission to outline policy priorities for Digital Promise. The Information Technology Industry Council and the Software and Information Industry Association will manage and advise the technical aspects of the project.

Digital Promise’s first project will be to support the funding and development of “digital tutors,” a software program to help students who need extra help in math and other subjects. This is only the beginning of a strong relationship between education and technology that will help prepare America’s youth for success in the 21^st century. Maybe with the success of the first year of the initiative the program will be expanded to include the development of educational computer and phone applications.

“Digital Promise is a unique partnership that will bring everyone together — educators, entrepreneurs and researchers — to use technology to help students learn and teachers teach," President Obama said in a statement. "There’s no silver bullet when it comes to education, but technology can be a powerful tool, and Digital Promise will help us make the most of it.”

Click here for a link to the article on TheHill.com

Why do Students need Technology to Learn?

How many of us have heard some derivation of the following statement:  "When I was a kid I had to walk uphill, both ways, in 10 inches of snow.......just to get to school"?

I am guessing, most of us have heard something like this at some point in our lives.  This statement is typically followed by another: "that's what is wrong with kids these days!"

And unfortunately this mindset tends to creep into the minds of adults in all walks of life, and it is especially prevalent when adults discuss education.  Most people can't imagine why technology is a necessity in today's classroom.  Well....they must have a point...right??

Think about it, only 15-20 short years ago, most students graduated from high school and went on to college without ever typing on a computer, like the one I am using to write this blog!  Even more, many adults can remember the educational stone ages when the only tools that the average teacher had access to were: a pointer, a yardstick, some chalk, a chalk board, and a few erasers.  These students excelled in this setting and many have become the successful CEO's, Doctors, and lawyers in the world today.

So the question often then becomes: "If we could learn back then, then why do today's students need all of these fancy bells and whistles?"

A recent article posted on Education News discussed this issue, and provided evidence on both sides of the debate.  For the most part, the necessary data is not currently available to show whether or not technology is even beneficial to today's student.

But what I think many individuals tend to forget, is that not only has education changed with the advent of technology, but so have the lives of the students outside of the classroom.  Today's students are inundated on a almost minute by minute basis with technology ranging from: Twitter and Facebook updates to text messages and application downloads.

Their minds are constantly being primed by and engaged in technology based applications.  So why do policy makers, and other adults tend to fight this trend?  For the good of our kids, doesn't it make sense to continually provide them with the newest innovations and access to the latest advancements in educational technologies, regardless of the lag in data?

Or perhaps we should go back to the days, when we walked both ways.... uphill.... in 2 feet of snow..... with our shoes untied.......and no cell phone in hand.

Does Technology Move too Fast for Education to keep up?

Well, it is officially labor day weekend in the United States, which for many young teenagers out there, marks the official end of their summer.  Tomorrow, students across the nation will be back in schools, some for the first time this year. They will be leaving behind days of relaxation, carefree living, and times of fun in the sun.  Very soon school bells will be ringing, teachers will be teaching, and students will be taking it all in.

Some students in districts across the nation may even find themselves lucky enough to find new technologies in their schools or classrooms.  Undoubtedly, there are going to be many districts out there who have armed their teachers with the latest in technological tools, and have aspirations of using these tools to increase student test scores.  Some of these new learning tools may include: Tablet Computers such as the iPad and Samsung Galaxy, new personal laptops from computer makers such as HP, Mac, and Dell, Interactive Projectors and Smart Boards from companies such as Epson and Promethean, app Development companies such as Study by App, and even personal organization and social networking tools from companies such as Blackboard and Moodle.

With all of the different types of technology out there, just simply figuring out what may work best for one's students can be more than a handful.  A recent article posted on Education Week alludes to the simple fact that while some districts have done a great job of keeping pace with changing technology, all too many simply do not have the financial means or the resources available to keep pace with this ever growing educational tide.

In addition to the constant influx of new tools, which changes almost daily, districts are also faced with the fact that although their technology purchases may be with the best of intentions, many of them are often navigating uncharted waters.  This is because, these technologies have not been around long enough for them to be properly vetted and there is not a great deal of research to prove or disprove the effectiveness of new technologies on student test scores.  In addition, as Education Week noted: much of the research that is available shows that even the schools that have kept pace, haven't been able to fully implement these new technologies due to: lacking infrastructure, resources, staff development, and other complications.

So as students leave the dog days of summer behind and begin focusing their daily efforts on mastering their ABC's or the pyhtagorean theorem, the question that many schools will be faced with is, how can we best implement our new technology to foster the needs of our students?

Many may also need to begin asking: how can we catch up?




For an eye opening look at how fast technology moves....take a look at this you tube video posted a little over a year ago: Educational Technology Video.

Can Education Survive the US Economy?

It is that time of year again! The summer is beginning to wind down and stores are beginning to stock up on supplies to draw in this year's crop of student's for back to school specials.....and during these economic times I am sure that students and parents alike will definitely be searching to pinch every penny possible.

While watching the dramatic events that have taken place over the past few weeks in the US: from the political showmanship over a debt deal, to the first US credit downgrade in the history of our great country, and finally to the roller coaster like swings in the stock market, I got to thinking......will education survive?

It seems like not too long ago that the US was reeling from a devastating downturn in the US economy that wiped away massive amounts of wealth with the failure of companies like Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns.  This was only 2008 and to be honest, education barely survived.  The loss of teaching professionals across the country is staggering with states furloughing employees and ending educational programs at rates never before seen in the US. 

Because of the economic downturn, school districts have had to learn to do more with much less and in some cases this made these schools more effective at what they do.  But in others.....many students have been negatively affected.  School upon school is now faced with over crowding, dilapidated facilities, and class sizes in some areas approaching the mid 30's.

To be fair.......some of the money issues in education weren't caused by the crash of the stock market in 2008.  Some certainly are more likely due to poor money management and over spending while the times were good.  Unfortunately, the times are no longer good and they haven't been for a long time.  In reality it appears that the rough times for education may just be getting started.

A recent article posted on Education News stated the the recent debt deal spells more bad news for the students of this great country.  Because of the overwhelming debt that our country faces and the reality that the majority of the income of our country is already dedicated toward paying our interest payments, social security benefits and medicare premiums..........education is sure to be on the chopping block again.

So if education is to survive.....administrators are going to need to pinch a bit more...and again teachers and students will need to do more with a great deal less.

My fear however is....will there be anything left?  And if not, where does education go from here?