Students are noticeably different in the ways in which they can be excited to learn. Some students enjoy working alone, others prefer to work in groups. Some thrive with routine while other prefer change. While there is not one means of instruction or technology that will be optimal for all learners in all learning environments, technology can be a powerful tool to provide options for all learners. Edtech tools are more easily available to students and teachers than ever before-which would lead one to think this would automatically produce improved learner outcomes. However, in a world of iPads, chromebooks, learning management systems, and a billion dollar educational technology industry, it is easy to get enticed and hurry to use technology tools that promise to improve learner outcomes and tout their ability to profoundly engage the digital natives in our classrooms. <span>While technology can power our learning, without the UDL framework as a guide, it is a tool without a purpose and a potential source of disengagement for learners.</span> This session explains the importance of using UDL as a research-based method for applying classroom technologies, steps for successful technology incorporation, and examples of how teachers can use specific tools to enhance the learning environment to engage learners rather than disengage them. Attendees will see how teachers in Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation leverage technology to engage and remove barriers for learners and specific tools used to do so through teacher examples, student testimonials, and model lesson exemplars.
Slideshow:
http://bit.ly/utilizetech19Planning Sheet/Template:
http://bit.ly/UDLtechpaper1Tech Tools Resource:
http://bit.ly/UDLtechtools19
