As I am sitting in my Hotel room in Vienna,
thinking about my, or I'd better say our, journey in the past 2 months, makes
me excited and much determined in pursuing creative (and of course inclusive)
use of technology. I am a math and science teacher in Toronto, while at leave
in the past 10 months, worked as an on-line instructional designer for the
faculty of education at StFX. During this time, I have been reflecting on my
practice as a teacher and the very field of education to decide for my future
professional focus - I took advantage of every opportunity that came along; the
most significant of which is proven to be this course, which I took as a
non-degree student.
When I signed up for this course, I had little
understanding of the world of disability within education. After this intensive
two months, I have to confess that assistive technology is one area that is a
high priority for me to delve into more and more. I found it most rewarding
when one can provide an enabling environment for disable students to lead their
educational journey with confidence and hope.
Here are few moments that I
would like to share about this course: I always loved my iPhone but had no idea
how much it has changed the lives of people with disability. I have developed a
different appreciation for both Steve Jobs and the Apple technology after this
course.
I really enjoyed watching the
"misunderstood minds" series. you could see how easily a student can
slip through the gap and get lost!! I appreciated the work of Dr. Mel Levine
and his unique specialization. I was fascinated with the way he was dissecting
each patient's problem and trying to fully understand the roots, rather than
categorizing it under a general branch of disability. In fact I was so
fascinated that I searched to find him and know more about him and his work;
but to my surprise, I found that he has committed suicide last year!!! I also
appreciated reading Edyburn's papers. He writes so simply yet much thorough and
effective.
I believe that every curriculum
designer should consider the UDL principles in their planning. When I look back
at my teaching years, I can proudly say that I had, perhaps instinctively,
followed the UDL principles.
I really enjoyed being in this
course and working with this many wonderful people. I do wish that this course
was longer with more lectures by Barbara Welsford. She is a great teacher with
a lot of practical experiences - I hope to be able to expand my expertise in
this field, so as to facilitate many students' learning journey more possible
and more fun in the future.
