Class Two

Tyler

While viewing Tyler’s video I was immediately drawn to his happy demeanor. I think a huge part of that demeanor can be attributed to the people who surround him and ensure he is provided with the tools he needs to be successful in whatever and everything he does. Tyler communicates and is included in all classes and in school life. It was amazing for me to see him taking part in music class and the battle of the bands through his iPad. Knowing that using his tongue was the quickest way to stay involved is brilliant…….he wants to be included and he is not letting anything hold him back! Through the devices and services made available to him throughout his life he has had the opportunity to be an important member of society especially within his school. The continuum of services (the list is long) I think is a huge part of this and I applaud the SSRSB for working with Tyler from early intervention right up to his grade 12 graduation. It was evident in the video that the skills he has learned with how to be independent and an advocate for himself is something he can certainly take into the business world as he continues on in his career. My only hope is that NSCC has the drive/means to support him when needed to ensure he is successful. I hope they continue to collaborate with SSRSB, Tyler’s parents, doctors, friends and family because his AT was not doing the work for him, nor was it replacing the teaching it was simply enhancing his performance and providing him with more independence.

UDL is not differentiation…..my understanding!

UDL and differentiation are similar in many ways as in having similar goals, however they are not synonymous.

Both approaches share a common end goal: to help students to learn and achieve success. UDL and differentiation are of the same mindset that students should not be fitted into the same mold, rather curriculum should be adjusted to fit the students needs. The two approaches differ in the way they achieve this. Differentiated instruction places a lot of emphasis on assessment for learning which lead instructional decisions whereas UDL looks at adjusting the instruction in a different way. An example of this would be when designing a new school the architect does not wait for there to be a need for a wheelchair in order for one to be installed, it is part of the original design.  The anticipation that there will be a need is a crucial part of UDL, the teacher anticipates problems and incorporates changes into the curriculum from the beginning.

One approach is not better than the other, they should be used simultaneously in a sense. Teachers should be anticipating struggles and planning for them from the start such as digitalizing materials for everyone (students who prefer books can use them while others can use digital versions). Teachers should also be monitoring student success and making adjustments as they see fit. Education is not in a static state and nor should our teaching.

Communication

15 modes to communicate

Ø  Talking (in person/ via telephone/ via FaceTime)

Ø  Texting

Ø  Letter Writing

Ø  Sign Language

Ø  Braille

Ø  Email

Ø  Instant Messenger

Ø  Technology applications (text to Voice applications) like Proloquo2go

Ø  Personal Touch (hug/ kiss/ embrace)

Ø  Art (paintings/drawings)

Ø  Symbols (hieroglyphic’s/religious/emojis)

Ø  Body Language/Facial Expression (raised eyebrow/ smile/ scrunched up nose/ pressed lips/ clinched fists/ eye contact)

Ø  Interpretive Dance

Ø  Actions ( charades/ presentation of flowers/ gifts/ punch in the face/ high five)

Ø  Sounds (fire alarm/ metal detector)