Universal Design for Learning and Assistive Technology
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Transcript of Universal Design for Learning and Assistive Technology
Universal Design for Learningand
Assistive Technology
By Katie Carter
What do ALL teachers strive to do in their daily
profession?
Think, pair, share!
Ideas From Educators Engagement for all
learners Challenges provided High expectations Students gain
knowledge Enthusiasm for learning
How can we reach these goals on a daily basis with the challenges and
range of abilities in today’s classroom?
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
According to The Center for Applied and Special Technologies, “Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework and set of principles to provide ALL students equal opportunities to learn. UDL principles make curriculum goals, instructional materials, teaching methods and assessments accessible and engaging for all learners. Barriers are reduced; supports and challenges are provided; high expectations are maintained; students gain knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for learning; and their learning is validly assessed.”
Sound Familiar?UDL is smart teaching that benefits ALL teachers and students!
Children come to our classrooms with a wide array of skills, needs and interests. Three primary brain networks come into
play:
The 3 Principles of UDLThese principles directly link to the brain networks of learning
Teachers need to provide students with multiple means of:
Representing Information “What” is being learned?
Action Expression “How” are student showing what they
learn? Engagement
“Why” are they learning the information?
Current examples of UDL in my classroom.
Background Building Activities
Organization of materials and tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks
Simplified vocabulary
Graphic organizers for vocabulary acquisition
Changes in size, color, and type of fonts
Elimination of extraneous information from page
Use of internet resources for hands-on, engaging activities
More Ideas for Implementing UDL In The Classroom
National Center on Universal Design for Learning
Planning for UDL One way to plan for UDL is utilizing the SETT
Framework
Thinking about the Student, Environment, Task and Tools will allow educators to meet the needs of all their students.
Once the learner is understood, Assistive Technology (AT), may be required to appropriately plan for children in your classroom.
Assistive Technology
Devices and services used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of children with
disabilities. IDEA 2004:Section 601 (1)
*AT does not included medically implanted devices.
AT Device ExamplesLow Tech
Picture symbols Communication
Boards Screen Reader Highlighting Tape Wiki Sticks Timer
High Tech Computer Communication
Board Speech Generating Device Braille Embosser Watch Minder Screen Readers and Word
Predicting Software-such as Kurzweil
AT ServicesIn order for children to use AT devices
appropriately, services need to be provided. These services include: The selection, acquisition, and use of an AT
device for users, support staff & families Customizing and maintaining of equipment Coordinating the implementation and plan for
how AT is used in the classroom
How Does UDL and AT Impact The Classroom? It encourages teachers to see their students not as
part of two categories—disabled or not—but as representing a range of different educational needs, each of which should be accounted for in a model classroom.
UDL requires teachers to continuously identify and eliminate curricular barriers in order to provide access to all learners.
It forces teacher to appropriately plan for the diverse needs of the classroom.
As a participant in this information session, you have the power to influence other educators about UDL.
UDL and the LawFederal UDL supports IDEA 2004:Section 601
State As of 2010, a bill related to UDL implementation is enrolled entitled
“Task Force to Explore the Incorporation of the Principles of Universal Design for Learning into the Education Systems in Maryland”. Click the link BELOW to learn more about this law.
http://udl4maryland.webs.com/udldownloads.htm
Sources Center for Applied Special Technology
http://www.cast.org/udl/
Universal Design for Learning in Maryland http://udl4maryland.webs.com/
National Center for Universal Design for Learning http://www.udlcenter.org/