I am using my old blog site to write my reflection. I used to blog all the time when I owned my own school to communicate with my parents. I found it easier to send blogger posts with pictures of what the kids were doing because it would save paper, and busy parents could access it from anywhere. Now I don't use this site, so it works for the reflection.
Reflection:
From all of your wonderfully resourceful lectures I have learned not to judge when people use assisstive technology or technology in general. It really is a old fashioned way of thinking that if its not done in "traditional" format, like pencil and paper, or book reading, then it's "not as good", or inadequate. Like the example you gave about the audio books, it really made me think, because, reading is challenging to me, and have felt that me listening to audio books was a type of "cheating". Now I understand, that perhaps my struggles with reading which keep me away from access to materials, is something that is not lacking in me, rather something I just needed support for. This is really big, as it helps me to understand this positive perspective that I have observed in my colleagues. It helps me to feel positive about me as learner.
What I present, How I present it, can make it or break it for my students who struggle. I have learned that it is my job as a teacher to proactively prepare accommodations and supports in advance for lessons, as well as continually give supports throughout my lessons, and then continue to support students communication of what they have learned. I never knew about so many evaluative criteria I could use, how many resources that were out there,and the depth of consideration needed in choosing tools for students.
I can go now into the new school year, with a deeper understanding of myself and my students. I am grateful for that!
Podcast link:
https://anchor.fm/zakia-
