Below is an image created using Adobe Photoshop Element 12. I created this picture so that it can be both printed poster-size for the classroom, and given out at individual handouts. This will be especially useful when covering the unit on money exchange. 

Website Link

Below is the link to my website:

https://sites.google.com/site/ed554marydelmare/

UDL concept map

Displayed is an image of the concept map that i created based on the UDL chapters 3 and 4. This map was made specifically for myself, which means that I focused on concepts that i was not very familiar with and wanted to remember for future use. Concepts such as the history and explanations of UDL I am already familiar with, and did not feel a need to include in my concept map.

Selected SOL

The SOL that I chose to work with for the purpose of this class, is in 3rd grade mathematics:

Reporting Category: Measurement and Geometry

3.8 The student will determine, by counting, the value of a collection of bills and coins
whose total value is $5.00 or less, compare the value of the bills and coins, and make
change

I chose this SOL because it can involve many different activities and it also can be very easy to create cross-curricular lesson plans. Activities can include (but not limited to); the use of manipulatives, online activities/tutorials, activity sheets, group work and individual work. In addition, History and English can both be integrated into the lessons very easily.

"Free Technology for Teachers" Blog Response

The Blog that I chose to read is title "Free Technology for Teachers" and is a blog that posts all different kinds of technology available for free for classrooms. Many of the posts are of online videos that are interactive tutorials on subjects such as the change of seasons, coral reefs and much more. Other posts consist of different lesson plans that can be found online for free, or tutorials on how to teach different subjects matters.

I found this blog to be very informative, and provided many great ideas on how to incorporate technology into the classroom. However, after exploring a bit, I did find it a bit frustrating because it was difficult to search for a particular technology, website etc. If one has time to simply browse through the blog to find good ideas, this is the blog for you. If you are looking for something a bit more specific, this blog may not be as helpful. Note: there are several tabs at the top of the page for some specific categories (Android, Ipads, Youtube etc.) but are limited.

"Teddy Bears Go Blogging" Response

After reading the article "Teddy Bears Go Blogging", I learned a very interesting way in which blogging can be used in an appropriate manner in the classroom. The article is written by a teacher who uses a blend of Internet, global participation and collaboration to help improve her students interactive writing skills. In on particular project, her classroom (in Canada) worked cooperatively with another classroom from Australia. The classrooms exchanged teddy bears with each other, and would blog about the different experiences, places and activities that the bears participated with. eventually the students were given an opportunity to blog both from school, and home to post and respond to the blog.

Initially, I was somewhat skeptical of this project. However, after reading the safety measures that were taken, I have a much more positive perspective of this great idea. The teacher placed safety measures such as reviewing all comments and posts before they were published on the blog. this taught the students safe Internet usage, and prevented any inappropriate material from being shared.

I love the idea of being able to safely use the Internet/blogging in the classroom! Not only is the Internet extremely useful in motivating students, but it also allows the teacher(s) so teach skill such as safe Internet usage, and Internet skills in general.