Standard+3

Home / Standard1 / Standard2 / Standard3 / Standard4 / Standard5 / Standard6 / Standard7 / Standard8 / Standard9 / Standard10

The teacher understands how pupils differ in their approaches to learning and the barriers that impede learning and can adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with disabilities and exceptionalities.
 * Standard 3**
 * Teachers understand that children learn differently. **

Evidence 1: (EDT 650) Skype Lesson

Rationale 1: Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice & video calls over the Internet. In EDT650 I wrote a lesson plan that used Skype to allow my 11th and 12th grade astronomy students to conduct an interview with a scientist from the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Although I was unable to arrange an interview due to scheduling problems, I learned how to setup the audio and video equipment that will allow my classroom to connect to the outside world using Skype.

Learning how to use Skype has given me a way to do teleconferencing, cooperative learning, and off site touring. I can also use Skype to accommodate students that have a disability or exceptionality. For instance students that are unable to attend class can participate in most in-class activities using Skype. All they need is a computer and a high-speed internet access point.

KSD 3.K.2 The teacher understands and can provide adaptations for areas of exceptionality in learning—including learning disabilities, visual and perceptual difficulties, and special physical or mental challenges. Skype is a powerful communications tool that allows teachers to send live, two-way audio and video from their classrooms to students that are unable to attend class. This is an effective tool for helping students that are unable to attend class due to a disability.

4.S.5 The teacher develops a variety of clear, accurate presentations and representations of concepts, using alternative explanations to assist students’ and presenting diverse perspectives to encourage critical thinking. They say that “variety is the spice of life” and so it is with education. When teachers use a variety of informative devices it keeps students interested. Skype is a tool that allows the teacher to bring additional perspectives into the class room. With Skype teachers can bring experts from distant locations to their classrooms, conduct interviews, or even take the class on an offsite tour.

5.D.3 The teacher values the role of students in promoting each other’s learning and recognizes the importance of peer relationships in establishing a climate for learning. There are several organizations that use Skype to connect students from around the world. Students in these programs can benefit from interactions with their international peers. Whether students are working cooperatively or competitively, these types of interactions have a positive effect on motivation and achievement.