​I have used the term personalized and applied it to my pedagogy in the past, but my field experience this summer helped me realize how much I truly did not know about it. All teachers can relate to PL because the area of study is still being developed, but I now have much more confidence in my ability to personalize my own students’ learning. Being a full-inclusion connections teacher, using technology to provide personalized learning is necessary. However, I don’t ever want to go fully online with my curriculum. I value hands-on experience way too much, but personalization can be met with technology in ways that traditional models can’t provide. This understanding comes from time spent synthesizing iNACOL standards and applying them to my existing curriculum. The real test will come when I apply it with my students this coming semester, but I look forward to the challenge.

Online learning has really become a major aspect to learning this past year. I realize I have been a blended teacher since I began teaching seven years ago, but I would not have thought of myself that way before I started 7480. Being introduced to iNACOL and the Aurora Institute this semester has given me a much better perspective on blended learning and online learning in general. I loved that I had the opportunity to work on classroom resources in the class and will have those available to me this coming semester. I may make a few small tweaks, but the iNACOL rubrics really are great at helping prepare you for the online teaching experience. Also, taking this class along with 7600 was a valuable experience and they complimented each other well.

Online resources augment many aspects of education, but personalization would be one that rises to the top for me. I am always looking for untapped resources and tools to help incorporate into my curriculum. Seeing that I do not have co-teachers and a full inclusion classroom, blended learning is an approach I take often to help bridge gaps that come with meeting the needs of such diverse class settings. I am excited to see how online learning continues to grow in the future.