Student Reflection
It is challenging but when I leave the class, I actually know how to work out the problems for myself.
Teacher Reflection from Ms. Paul
I can definitely see added value of using a UDL lens in my planning. Students have multiple ways to learn the material. The videos are just one of the resources available to them. Beside the videos, my PowerPoint presentations are posted on Edline and my students have access to the whole textbook online. If a student chooses not to watch the videos, they can always go over the PowerPoint, read the material from the textbook even though very few opt for that option. The students also have a choice of completing their homework online or on paper. They even have a choice of taking their quizzes online or on paper.
I honestly feel that I am making a better use of the face to face class time. I don't spend most of my time in front of the classroom lecturing. Instead, 90% of my time is spent interacting with the students. My role has changed. I walk around and help. I am more of a tutor and a guide, answering their questions. I used to be so busy in front of the room lecturing; I never had a chance to interact with the shy students who would never raise his/her hand to ask questions.
I decided to start recording my lectures after a workshop I went to last December where 2 teachers presented the benefits of a flipped classroom. The next day, I created a YouTube account and started recording. I have made several mistakes, but I am doing better now. After that workshop and after listening to the testimonies of other teachers through the “Classroom 2.0 Live Video”, I was convinced that interacting with my students would be best use of my class time.
My first recording was done on a snow day using the application “Screen Chomp” from my iPad. I posted the site of the video on Edline and sent an email to all my students asking them to watch the video before they come back to school and several students did. Now, I use ActivInspire for my recording, upload them on YouTube and post the YouTube link on Edline. Students are more engaged in class and I have better homework and test grades.
Benefits of UDL for All Students
One of the myths that we sometimes hear is that the Universal design for Learning mostly benefits the students with some type of special need. We consider this a myth because we realize that all learners have a "jagged profile" in which they will excel in some areas and have challenges in others. This image from Todd Rose's Myth of Average Ted Talk shows us some of the areas where learners can vary. We know that if we stretch the framework of our lessons to provide options for learners on the edge, rather than the middle, all students will benefit.
Thank you Ms. Paul for sharing your outstanding work with students!