Closing reflection ... but only for the time being

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.