Jessica+C.

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Hello everyone. My name is Jessica Crum. I have been a middle school science teacher for the past nine years and currently teach 7th and 8th grade science in Martin J. Ryerson Middle School in Ringwood, NJ. I live in Vernon, NJ with my husband and two dogs. I am a graduate student as well at Montclair State University for Educational Leadership. I am excited to take this RTC course so that I can learn how to integrate technology into my current science curriculum at the middle school.

5 new technologies to try would be: Wikis, slideshare, skype, dropbox and glogster.

4 ideas to share with others include: I have heard of a resource called dropbox but I have yet to look into it. I also use a program called exambuddy.com in my class. Last, I use virtual dissection labs in the classroom as well.

3 principles of Universal Design for Learning are:

a. Multiple means of representation b. Multiple means of expression c. Multiple means of engagement

2 changes in my teaching to reach all learners in the Digital Age would be to create lessons with broader goals to allow for more digital media choices for students and to create a wiki space/page for my students in each class.

1 big idea to implement: Creating units of study that include many more collaborative technology applications. I would like to possibly use a wiki for collaborative student work. In addition, I plan on expanding my use of online assessments.

Culminating Activity #1: What is UDL?

UDL or Universal Design for Learning is a flexible method of teaching that allows learning to be accessible for ALL students in a classroom. On page 14 of the article entitled Universal Design for Learning by David Cochran, he states " In the UDL model, the teacher and the curriculum must be flexible enough to accommodate diverse student needs, a polar opposite to traditional thinking that requires students to bend to the needs of the curriculum". UDL encourages teachers to design engaging lessons for students that allow all students to participate through a variety of methods, especially through digital applications. In order for teachers to begin to modify instruction so that UDL is incorporated, teachers need to focus on the following criteria:

1. Representation: Ideas need to be presented in multiple ways and needs to provide students with flexible options for learning.

2. Expression: Students should be provided with a variety of options to express their knowledge.

3. Engagement: Teachers need to engage students in many different ways to capitalize on their various abilities and strengths. ( Cochran, pg. 14)

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here is a link to what our school uses for group work and editing files etc. [] Jonathan N.