Planning with Technology

As a soon-to-be employed full-time teacher (some positive thinking going on here), a recent class discussion on utilizing technology efficiently really tied together how educators can use technology based on the three UDL principles to support the three primary brain networks that affect how we learn as individuals. While a lot of technology can support two or even all three neural networks, it is also beneficial to think about specific learners and their difficulties and find a way to utilize technology for that purpose. As teachers, I think it is beneficial to be familiar with all the new technology, but at the same time, to also take on the perspective of the need, rather than how we can transform the technology to meet all the needs. At times, we may just need a more concrete lesson with manipulatives than an intricate SmartBoard lesson, although we should never rule out technology if it supports students' difficulties. In the end, thoughtful consideration is always required in lesson planning, including what technologies and other forms of supportive materials to use, and how these will help students meet their goals.

I think the way that Jill Osview presented the different tools really organizes and can support teachers well in tracking down appropriate tools to use for supporting different learning styles. I've expanded this chart to include some of the other Web 2.0 tools we've been discussing and other educational software applications that should be considered when selecting tools. I encourage readers (mainly my classmates if they read this blog) to expand upon the list!

	Recognition Network	Strategic Network	Affective Network
BoardMaker	Uses pictures to support receptive language	Uses pictures to support expressive language
Popplet	Can use to show "bigger" picture; concept maps	Can be used in organize support details to represent main ideas	Interactive - popplet map can be accessed and edited by other users
Styxi		Can be used to organize thoughts/ideas for projects or general school work	collaborative - can allow access to other users to create and edit boards
Little Bird Tales	Authors voice record their story and use their own illustrations to create an online book	Students can narrate their stories and use their own illustrations or pictures	Students use their own voice to narrate, their own illustrations/pictures to create their stories
LiveScribe	Audio recordings sync to the notes you take
Prezi	Non-linear presentation; can see “big-picture” of a presentation, and focus on various supporting details	Planning is non-linear; presentations visually focus on main idea, and supporting details as part of an overarching theme	Fluid, presentations are interactive and can be collaborative