This week, we’re happy to introduce a guest blogger…

Adrienne Lenardon is a teacher candidate who recently completed her studies at OISE/UT. She will begin supply teaching for the Toronto Catholic board in September. Adrienne not only offers these sage words on inclusive education, she also developed the soon-to-be-released teacher resource guide for Return of the Prairie Bandit, a documentary from The Nature of Things now available on DVD. We’ll keep you posted on when the guide is available. In the meantime…over to Adrienne…

TECHNOLOGY AND THE INCLUSIVE CLASSROOM
What does the inclusive classroom look like? It is an educational setting that allows students to not only participate in their learning, but also take on a more productive and interactive role. In order for their education to be more meaningful, students need opportunities where they can take ownership of their learning. For students to become active participants teachers will have to consider the many learning styles and needs they may have in the classroom. That means, going beyond the textbook.

The children of today are being described as “digital natives” growing up in the information age. Technology has become a part of their vernacular and has allowed them access to a world of opportunities. Although there are still some qualms about bringing technology, such as cell/smart phones into the classroom, teachers will have to begin to think about how technology can improve the quality of education and how it can reach a variety of different learners.

Below are some suggestions of how teachers can include and use technology in their classrooms.

Classroom Management
When checking for completed assignments or homework, many teachers will often hear from their students, “I didn’t know that was home work” or “I forgot”. Twitter may be an easy solution for that problem. By having a homework board online, students are able to access classroom information at all times. Another benefit of having an online homework board is that parents can remain in the loop and aware of what their child is learning.

Teaching and Learning
Beginning a unit in science? Why not start by showing a video resource in which you can introduce the main theme or concept to them? Video provides excellent support for student learning and helps to solidify their understanding of the content. By using textbooks, as well as other resources, such as video, students are able to gain a more holistic learning experience.

Learning Styles and Needs
Students all over Canada have different talents and abilities and teachers now have an even greater responsibility to reach every single student in their classroom. By using multimedia resources, students with various learning styles and needs can be accommodated easily. For example the auditory learner can listen to an audio recording or podcast, the visual learner can watch a video, and the kinesthetic learner can play an educational game.

Contributed by Adrienne Lenardon