a. Construct a list of the top three concepts, skills, and/or resources that you havegained in this course and that are most relevant to your current or anticipatedprofessional role.

I have learned a lot in the last few weeks that I have engaged with content in this course.
One of the basic concepts that I have learned is the principles of UDL. The three principles of
UDL will be of use in my role as a classroom teacher in the near future. First, I will apply
multiple means of representation and provide the students in my classroom with alternative
means of learning information. Rather than solely relying on printed textbooks, as was the case
during my days in school, I will present information in various other formats such as audiobooks,
ask students to watch a YouTube video, read text from a webpage or even listen to a podcast. I
will also apply the second UDL principle by providing students with multiple means of
expression, and I will implement this by providing different ways through which students can
demonstrate what they have learned. For instance, rather than just asking students to answer
questions orally or in their notebooks, I can ask them to record a video, prepare a slide
presentation, or even write a paper. According to principles of fairness, equity in the classroom, I
achieved when each student receives what they need (Edyburn, 2013). I will strive to achieve
equity through my instruction. The third principle is multiple means of engagement. I will apply
this principle through accomplishing sustained engagement. This will be possible by introducing
learning activities that are motivating, interesting, and challenging to the learners.
Another concept that I have learned is universal access to the text. Through altering the
view, it is possible to ensure that students zoom or alter the view of their document and increase
the font size of the text. Accessibility of learning materials is key in universal design. The zoom

option was originally intended for individuals with visual disabilities. However, everyone feels
the need to periodically zoom texts to make them more accessible and to enhance their comfort
as they read. Thus, in my future classroom, I will use Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to help
students access text with more comfort. In the modern world, the appearance of a text is no
longer determined by the publisher or designer. The reader has control of text materials and can
change the font to one that is more accessible.
I have also acquired very important skills, which entails the use of assistive technologies
within the classroom. For instance, if a student is encountering difficulties and is unable to
access traditional print reading materials through physically turning the pages of a text, then
technology can be incorporated to provide assistance. Through the use of a page-turner device, a
student can be assisted with turning the pages. Also, as a teacher, I can convert the printed text
into an audiobook that is switch-adapted. This enhances the accessibility of the text.
b. Describe how technology enhances instruction in the classroom and your current
and/or anticipated professional role.
The integration of technology into the classrooms has revolutionized teaching and
learning in many schools. Technology is changing and restructuring the landscape of education
by making the processes of teaching and learning more impactful to both the learners and
educators (Brode, 2005). Through technology, students are able to learn at their own pace. The
traditional classroom sometimes makes it difficult for students to learn at their own pace.
However, technology makes it possible by ensuring that a student has access to tailored
instruction through their laptops or tablets. Also, students who require more time to comprehend
a concept or master a skill have the opportunity to practice independently at their own time until

they understand. Also, technology allows students who need less support to continue to more
challenging exercises.
Also, instruction is enhanced through the use of multiple means of representation.
Educators are not limited by the number of books available in the classroom or in the physical
library. On the contrary, technology tools make it possible to incorporate other resources in a
wide variety of formats such as audio, video, and other interactive learning materials such as the
use of slides. Students have access to different ways of learning. Teachers also have many ways
to deliver instruction and different activities to ensure that students are engaged in different
ways. Through technology, learning has become hands-on. The reality is that technology is
occupying a central place in modern-day classrooms and even in the workplaces. Roles are
changing, and new skills and expertise are being required making it necessary to introduce and
teach these skills to students while they are still in school. Technology can enhance life in many
ways. Thus, technology literacy is also a skill that students need to leave school with for them to
fit in the job place and become more competitive.
c. Discuss how technology supports differentiated learning experiences for a variety of
learners and their unique needs.
Technology supports differentiation in many ways, such as by making learning materials
more accessible and usable to different types of learners. It is possible to different learning
experiences because technology makes it possible for teachers to use different technologies that
assist learners with difficulties learning. For instance, there is a tool for speech that can be used
as an assistive technology to help students with such disabilities. Through the use of technology
tools, teachers and learners are able to choose how they intend to interact with instructional
materials. For instance, learning materials can be made available either as texts, audiobooks,

videos, and other digital formats that can be supported by the digital tools being used in the
classroom. Thus, technology makes differentiated learning a reality. Students and teachers have
the option of engaging in many activities through their technology tools.
Also, technology provides data collecting tools that are used in formative assessments.
These tools allow teachers to collect data that helps them understand student’s understanding so
that teachers can incorporate the feedback received in making decisions on how to deliver
instruction. For example, by using technology tools such as survey monkey and pollcat are quick
ways through which teachers can conduct formative assessments, interact with students through
their laptops and tablets and get to know their level of comprehension regarding a certain topic.
A teacher then knows which students need more time and attention, as well as the areas that need
more emphasis.

References

Brode, A. (2005). Ways in Which Technology Enhances Teaching and Learning. Online
Submission.
Edyburn, D. L. (2013). Inclusive technologies: Tools for helping diverse learners achieve
academic success. (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.  Retrieved from
https://content.ashford.edu/