C HAPTER 1: E DUCATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE Valerie Wolfe Ashley Richardson Kyle Evans

I NTRODUCTION Every teacher should be able to understand and know how to use a large variety of internet and computer software to meet the needs of all kinds of learners Typical students ESL students Special Needs students Slow readers …….etc.

4 M AIN I DEAS A School District in Transition The Challenge: Learner Diversity and High Standards The Opportunity: New Brain Research and New Technologies UDL: The “Intersection of Initiatives”

A S CHOOL D ISTRICT IN T RANSITION Carefully conceived class wide learning goals, inclusive of all students. Making animation projects for ESL students Using an online virtual reader for children who learn at a slower pace Individualized approaches for reaching those goals, including customized supports that change as learners progress. Allow students to choose how they want to learn or present projects Assessments that measure ongoing progress and provide teachers and students with useful feedback.

T HE C HALLENGE : L EARNER D IVERSITY AND H IGH S TANDARDS Cultural, educational, and legal changes have significantly altered the mix of students in regular education classrooms. NCLB High Stakes Testing IDEA – “Individual with Disabilities Education Act”

T HE O PPORTUNITY : N EW B RAIN R ESEARCH AND N EW T ECHNOLOGIES Theory of Multiple Intelligences A person who appears learning disabled in a print-bound, text-based environment may look extraordinarily skilled in a graphics- or video- based environment. Technology allows students to learn in their own way. Draws upon strengths and interests that may be blocked by use of printed text.

UDL: T HE “I NTERSECTION OF I NITIATIVES ” “The concept of UDL is the intersection where all our initiatives � integrated units, multi-sensory teaching, multiple intelligences, differentiated instruction, use of computers in schools, performance-based assessment, and others � come together.” Donna Palley SPED Coordinator/Technology Specialist

R EFLECTION AND D ISCUSSION Technology should be used in every classroom to meet the needs of EVERY student individually. Keep in mind that you, as a teacher, will have a diverse class and every student learns in different ways. As a teacher, know a variety of different technological tools to help EVERY child succeed at their own pace.