EDUC 6714 Reflection - DI, UDL and Social Networking

Glasser (1998) is well known for his work involving the personal freedom we gain from our choices. In fact, his theory has changed my life both in and out of the classroom. As a result, my mind is more open to selecting repertoire which will motivate my students to turn in “quality work” (Glasser, 1998). Throughout this course, we have been using a social network to generate and discuss ideas for differentiated instruction and the universal design for learning.

Our social networking site, in addition to being a fun and exciting way to communicate with colleagues, would also make an excellent tool for DI in the classroom. For one thing, it can help create the “flexible classroom management” (Tomlinson, 2009a) we are striving for now that we have become co-facilitators of knowledge. This type of social networking can be used with modifications by almost any group. We can also use DI to allow students to present work in their own format. The social networking students are using today allows for video, audio, or discussion type input. These are all essential tools in today’s workforce and will continue to develop in the future.

In my classroom, I am still working hard to complete the shift from having the idea that the "majority of the responsibility [for knowledge] is placed upon the teacher" (Tomlinson, 2009b). To help achieve this goal, I have started using the Universal Design for Learning strategies outlined in our course, as well as those discussed by my colleagues. Once I am more comfortable with my newer role as fellow learner, differentiating instruction will become a much more natural task. In completing this plan, students will become more engaged in my classes and the information I share with them will hopefully become a part of their “quality world” (Glasser, 1998).

-Stephen St. Georges

References:

Glasser, W. (1998). Choice theory: A new psychology of personal freedom. New York: Harper and Row.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009a). Managing the differentiated classroom [Motion picture]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Tomlinson, C.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009b). Putting it all together [Motion picture]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Tomlinson, C.