Reflections

I recently viewed some great videos and webinars from two tech-savvy web-sites, [|http://live.classroom20.com] and [].

**//Anytime, Anywhere: Online Learning Shapes the Future//** [|Watch Anytime, Anywhere: On-line Learning Shapes the Future video] The video //Anytime, Anywhere: Online Learning Shapes the Future// discussed the increase in online learning and the major reasons why online learning is becoming more popular. Reportedly, 45 out of 50 states currently offer online courses. The benefits of online courses include meeting the needs of at-risk and advanced placement students and the flexibility of scheduling. In addition, online courses allow students to work at their own pace and have access to equality of education. The benefits to the district may include the ability to address budget constraints through reducing staff. Online courses also address areas of need where teacher shortages may keep courses from being offered face to face. Although the benefits of online courses are many, there is the noted weakness in the difficulty of scheduling cooperative learning activities.

**//Tech-fueled Differentiated Instruction Engages Elementary School Students//** [|Watch Tech-fueled Differentiated Instruction Engages Elementary School Students] The video //Tech-fueled Differentiated Instruction Engages Elementary School Students// discussed the value of using technology during differentiated instruction activities. The reported goal of using technology during differentiated instruction was to establish the base-lines of the different learners and then instruct from there on an individual basis. The use of technology allows the learner to be self-directed and the teacher to be a facilitator. Examples of technology included palm pilots, student response systems, keyboards, white boards, and biometric systems.

**//A Commitment to High Tech Education//** [|Watch A Commitment to High Tech Education video] The video //A Commitment to High Tech Education// introduced Harrison High School in Mississippi. Harrison H.S. transformed their curriculum through the use of technology. The school found students benefitted from using technology because they were able to get up and moving and explore the science behind different personal passions. The technology allowed each student’s education to become more personalized and learning increased. Examples of using technology included virtual field trips, student response systems, probes, and digital cameras.

**//Reaching all Learners: At Tips and Tricks that Work//** [|Watch Reaching all Learners: AT Tips & Tricks that Work Webinar] The webinar //Reaching all Learners: At Tips and Tricks that Work// discussed the use of assistive technology and universal design for all learners as a benefit for all students in the classroom. The video also discussed how assistive technology removes obstacles for success and provides alternative ways for demonstrating learning. In addition, assistive technology allows students to become independent and rely less on teacher intervention. Generally speaking, the goal is to use assistive technology in a UDL to benefit everyone in the classroom. The web-site UDLTechToolkit.wikispaces.com was highly recommended and included resources for literacy, writing, research, math, study skills, and multi-media tools.

**//Top 10 Free Discovery Education Resources//** [|Watch Top 10 Free Discovery Education Resources webinar] The webinar //Top 10 Free Discovery Education Resources// was pretty dry. It briefly discussed the top ten recommended web-sites from Discovery Education. The web-sites introduced included a site to help educators make puzzles, a site discussing sustainability in schools, a site listing other beneficial web-sites for educators, a site about living a healthy life-style, and a site about young scientist projects. I visited a few of the sites and found some of the information useful.