As a classroom teacher at an elementary school, I would like to see technology used for project based learning at a younger grade level. It can never be too soon to introduce students to the use of a chrome book or iPad, or the use of google apps, and kid friendly search engines. We should support the use of digital project based choice boards to complete assignments that are of a learner’s learning style, and interest. I feel that I’m learning to move away from a fixed mindset and more to a growth mindset because I now understand the difference between the two. Having a fixed mindset before did not allow me to see the importance of the use of technology, or the use of a project based choice board in a classroom. I thought it would be too much work, or too hard to implement on my part. And, let’s face it, teachers have a lot of work on a daily basis to deal with. However, my mindset has certainly changed, and I believe that I can work through something that I feel that I don’t understand, or feel like I am failing at. I can learn to help support my students in the best way possible, and provide a blended learning environment that supports self directed learning. I like reading books, and articles, and watching videos that talk about the different mindsets, and various learning scenarios that use blended learning and student agency. It’s important to acknowledge your difficulties, and understand what your obstacles are as a learner, and as a teacher. When it comes to learning, or pursuing life long goals, I feel that the phrase, “Life is a marathon, not a sprint” is a valuable and significant message because it means that life is long lived, and requires consistent effort, training, and decision making that sustains a person where as a sprint is short, fast, and intense, just to get to the finish line. It is so important to create a learning environment that meets the needs of all types of learners. Students are more engaged when learning is personalized to their interests. Everyone has a different learning path, and it’s important that teachers learn how to support them, and provide the proper guidance and flexibility to get a student where they need to be. UDL, or Universal Design for Learning is a framework that supports and encourages equal opportunities for all learners.
Jackie Bittner M.Ed. 