Universal Design for Learning

This week the focus has shifted from the various methods of teaching to creating differentiated, student-led lessons. In that focus we have created a UDL eBook and lesson plan.

To see my sample eBook on Nonverbal Communication visit http://bookbuilder.cast.org/view.php?op=share&book=bdff3c25ebb216e9a57f899f56b83b0a&sid=3965

For more information about UDL read from CAST online textbook at http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/index.cfm

The Topic of Conversation-Web Conference 3/3/11

I was glad to join in on our web conference back on 3/3. It was certainly a nice chance to meet Dr. Mason, and to hear more about her expectations.

This particular web conference covered information regarding our group project and covered the many questions we have on TK20.

On the Group Project
Glad to hear, "keep it simple." With such a broad scenario, I was worried that we would be expected to drive many details into the creation of our lessons. Dr. Mason also suggested that we finish week 2 work early and get a head start on our week 3 work since it is more writing intensive. Immediately after the web conference I began playing with the eBook program. I am confident in completing this weeks work now.

I still have concerns on the project since it seems unclear who our audience is. I think the suggestion was to address our overall plan to the administration and other teachers. We also don't have many guidelines on the action plan that is to be written. It just says to do it.

I feel at a loss in concern of our projects. The scenario is quite clear. I just wish I knew what products the professors truly want. I don't need an expected outcome, but clear expectations certainly do create a grounds for learning. After all, aren't we as teachers in primary and secondary schools expected to share our expectations with our students. I would expect nothing less from our graduate school leaders.

TK20
This seems to be a sore subject with all of the members of my cohort and with the majority of the program I am apart of through Lamar--of course with the exception of the actual school.

I am glad to say that Dr. Mason seemed to be a little more candid about the use of TK20; what it is, what it is for, etc.

Here is my concern--

1. TK20-according to our web conference-is strongly suggested, but not required. I am not sure I understand that, but later in the conversation it was noted that we would need it to finalize the current course we are in.
2. TK20 costs $100. It is considered a professional cost. Why on earth are we spending money on a portfolio program when we already started a free wiki based portfolio?
3. TK20 has only 50 megabytes of storage according to Dr. Mason. I can get a 256 meg flash for $7 and I can get 32 gigs or even 464 gigs--depending on brand--for less than $100.

So I must ask---who is getting a kickback from TK20 and what does it equal? Do we really need this or is it added BS. I only need one professional portfolio. A wiki last forever or at least until I delete it. TK20 is 7 years of 50 megs for $100. See a problem here?

Okay outside of my TK20 rant: as I said I am thankfull that Dr. mason was honest with us,--at least as much as she could be. I honestly haven't purchased the program yet. I can't afford it. It will have to wait until after my tax return comes in.