“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

-Benjamin Franklin

Use technology to create, adapt and personalize learning experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs.

01

• Embedded Supports to Differentiate Instruction

• How to Differentiate with Technology

• Using Technologies to Support Diverse Learning Needs

• Differentiating Instruction Through Interactive Games (Tech2Learn Series)
  

02

LISTEN

• TRUTH FOR TEACHER PODCAST: How to use podcasts in the classroom as a tool for equity and differentiation (with Listenwise)

• EDUCATIONAL DUCT TAPE PODCAST: Dynamic Blended Learning from Shake Up Learning
  

03

FOLLOW

• Join Edmondo- a global education network that helps connect all learners with the people and resources needed to reach their full potential.

• Follow Mrs. D - Of Mrs. D's corner on social media
  

• Follow Rebekah Poe of Lessons and Lattes
  

04

DO

• PARTICIPATE IN IEP WEEK

• READ Using Technology to Engage Students With Learning Disabilities  by William A. Krakower, Sharon LePage Plante
  

05

SHARE

• Present new knowledge to colleagues through a PD

• Encourage co teachers to participate in plan as accountability partners for growth
  

WATCH

• MAKE A COMMITMENT TO COMPLETE ONE/WEEK

• KEEP A JOURNAL SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS NEW KNOWLEDGE

• SHARE MONTHLY WITH A LIKE MINDED PROFESSIONAL
  

March 2022

Issue No. 1

5 tips to help with digital equity and inclusion

ANNIE DECUIR

ULM GRADUATE STUDENT

ELEMENTARY EDUCATOR

Photos by Annie Decuir

There is only one way to look at things until someone shows us how to look at them with different eyes.

-Pablo Picasso

Collaborate

Step out of your comfort zone

Tech as a resource not the Word

Teach for Change

Todays world is very divided and non inclusive. I am not sure where we got off track but as teachers we need to start to be part of the change. We need to teach to change the mindset of the world. Using our platform as teachers can be a great starting point. Teaching students and showing them that every one can be celebrated and included. Our job as educators is to teach the whole child and that includes fostering in them an acceptance and understanding of all kinds of people.

I have done this the past few years in my classroom. We have celebrated autism and "gotcha" days with students who have been adopted. We also celebrated a child who was born with a heart defect.  Additionally, a current student of ours was at St. Jude recently and we discussed cancer and St. Jude hospital. With all these lessons students became more accepting and understanding of children who are different from them and how we all need different things to be successful.

Fair does NOT mean Equal.

This concept is a hard one to teach young children and to explain to parents. I always use the analogy of glasses. To be fair I would give all of them glasses. but do they need them to be successful? I also conduct a lesson where each child brings me a "problem" and to "solve" the problem I give each one a bandaid. which doesn't solve their problem. This lesson really helps them understand why one student may get to do something on the computer and another may have a pencil and paper assignment. Additionally some students have touch screen computers and others do not. they all want them but they don't all need them. I share the infographic with parents to make them understand as well.

Because so many students do not have access to reliable internet, I send them home with their chrome books nearly every night but students are never penalized for incomplete computer assignments. We use it as a resource but it's not "the word." I take into consideration that all may not have the resources as home to complete the assignments. Due to this, they are always allowed time to complete these assignments in class should they be necessary. As I assign things, most times it's just extra. They have already been provided necessary practice in class and the homework assignment is just extra.

This year in particular I have had to learn more and change the way I "do" things in my classroom. I have made accommodations more this year than I have done in my 14 years combined. I have always enjoyed working with children who have special needs. This year I have a student who has an auditory processing disorder and I felt that I was not meeting her needs as best as I could so i reached out. Usually I solve my own problems with my students but I had to step out and ask for help. Upon stepping out of my comfort zone we decided to use a auditory processing device which would magnify my voice straight to her headset. She is the only one in the class who uses this and it also provided for a lesson in acceptance and inclusion as well as fairness. This was something that she needed to be successful.

In your school building there are great technology uses happening. Use your school community as a resource. Someone may have already solved a problem you may be having or they have an activity that a student could benefit from. Collaboration helps every one be successful.

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