EDLD 5364 Week 3

This has been a very challenging week. Learning and trying to understand how to use a new lesson plan with the UDL builder and trying to implement a student activity with the Book Builder was quite an experience. There are so many ways to use both of these resources but getting use to how they work and interact with each other was interesting. I know with time of course and practice that both of these will become easier to use. I see many possibilities with the ebook and can see what an effective and useful tool it could be in the classroom. I also thought the UDL builder was a good way to make sure all parts of an effective and successful lesson plan are included in an individual lesson or unit. I found myself feeling a little lost at times and not quite sure if I was on the right track with my lesson or not. I just went at it head on and am hoping that I am doing what is required.

The collaboration of this project also has allowed me to see what others are thinking and teaching and how they are implementing their projects as well. It is always good to see what other educators are doing to refresh and reinforce my own teaching style and methods. I am anxious to see what the final project has to offer and what it looks like when finally put together. It has been a good week but a difficult one. I have had issues using the google doc this week. I kept encountering errors and could not see the document in its entirity which caused me some issues with collaboration. An example of how great technology is when it works... but what would we ever do with out it. Looking forward to next week.

UDL Lesson -

This lesson was quite challenging - trying to figure out what to include, how much to include, etc. I used a variety of resources that I acquired from science teachers in my building who gave me valuable information and guidance. I am anxious to see how all of the lessons from our team build on each other and teach the concept of weather and geologic movement.   

CAST Book Builder -

The Ebook was a little challenging as well. I felt a little overwhelmed this week with all of the ideas going through my head. I decided the best thing for me to do was to provide a review or independent work for the students based on my UDL Lesson plan. I created a review ebook with a few open ended questions and some images that hopefully will help the students think and visualize. I had the background information recorded by the coach as well as having written instructions or text. The link follows:

http://bookbuilder.cast.org/view.php?op=share&book=7ad7e6db5c5ddede315e1dd8acadbeb5&sid=7665