Universal Design for Learning and Assisstive Technology
The educator makes goals and learning accessible to all while allowing multiple pathways for demonstrating success. We keep learners engaged, curious, and creative. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is where learners are given multiple options for learning, for representation of content, and for showing what they know. Without this learner engagement, learning is marginalized.
First the educator must be authentic with their own engagement. The educator is proactive, expecting what was once considered the unexpected. Now we understand that there is no such thing as 'the norm' when it comes to the learner. As my professor commented, wouldn't it be wonderful if 'every student had an IEP (Individual Education Plan).' If the educator has 27 students, the educator has 27 different learning styles to 'speak' to. As educators, we are intentional with our goal of the lesson, looking for barriers before the lesson begins, thus eliminating inappropriate challenges. We as educators use all accessible technology, for anyone who needs it, to reach each learner. This could be reading glasses, camera, digital technology such as speak-to-text, visual representation such as power point/slide show, auditory representation such as use of music on a computer, and many more ideas to come! Assisstive Technology(AT) combined with UDL makes possible what is not possible without it.
UDL equals the beginning, not the end. The educator has appropriate goals that don't define means. Educators supply the appropriate balance of support, and challenge. Since vulnerability is the birth place of creativity, change, and adaptability, we as educators show our students we listen to their approach to learning, and adapt (and also learn ourselves) our teaching methods towards their learning. This is made easier for the educator with the vast variety of assisstive technology at our fingertips.
Since there is no average learner we know variability is systematic. Therefore we teach to reach a variety of learners, providing options for comprehension. AT used in the classroom helps visual, auditory, non-readers, and everyone learn, allowing for a range of learning variability. AT combined with UDL provides multiple means of recruiting interest. UDL with AT is optimal to reach Benjamin Bloom's goal of self-regulating learners. Learners can self-advocate, which develops talent in young people. Once the learner understands how content best reaches their own memory, we as educators can help adapt learning. For example, if we discover a learner absorbs content best visually, we can supply a power point, or youtube where the learner can pause and take notes at their leisure. If a learner absorbs and contains content best from speaking/repeating information, they can hand in homework (representation of content) audibly on a memory stick, or send the educator a recording of their understanding.
Our learners can show the educator that our options are limitless!
UDL increases learning for all by decreasing physical, cognitive, intellectual barriers. UDL combined with AT creates flexible goals, methods, materials and assessments that accommodate learner differences. Infusing technology is a proactive approach for leveraging diversity. This allows for change, as change comes from the margins.
First the educator must be authentic with their own engagement. The educator is proactive, expecting what was once considered the unexpected. Now we understand that there is no such thing as 'the norm' when it comes to the learner. As my professor commented, wouldn't it be wonderful if 'every student had an IEP (Individual Education Plan).' If the educator has 27 students, the educator has 27 different learning styles to 'speak' to. As educators, we are intentional with our goal of the lesson, looking for barriers before the lesson begins, thus eliminating inappropriate challenges. We as educators use all accessible technology, for anyone who needs it, to reach each learner. This could be reading glasses, camera, digital technology such as speak-to-text, visual representation such as power point/slide show, auditory representation such as use of music on a computer, and many more ideas to come! Assisstive Technology(AT) combined with UDL makes possible what is not possible without it.
UDL equals the beginning, not the end. The educator has appropriate goals that don't define means. Educators supply the appropriate balance of support, and challenge. Since vulnerability is the birth place of creativity, change, and adaptability, we as educators show our students we listen to their approach to learning, and adapt (and also learn ourselves) our teaching methods towards their learning. This is made easier for the educator with the vast variety of assisstive technology at our fingertips.
Since there is no average learner we know variability is systematic. Therefore we teach to reach a variety of learners, providing options for comprehension. AT used in the classroom helps visual, auditory, non-readers, and everyone learn, allowing for a range of learning variability. AT combined with UDL provides multiple means of recruiting interest. UDL with AT is optimal to reach Benjamin Bloom's goal of self-regulating learners. Learners can self-advocate, which develops talent in young people. Once the learner understands how content best reaches their own memory, we as educators can help adapt learning. For example, if we discover a learner absorbs content best visually, we can supply a power point, or youtube where the learner can pause and take notes at their leisure. If a learner absorbs and contains content best from speaking/repeating information, they can hand in homework (representation of content) audibly on a memory stick, or send the educator a recording of their understanding.
Our learners can show the educator that our options are limitless!
UDL increases learning for all by decreasing physical, cognitive, intellectual barriers. UDL combined with AT creates flexible goals, methods, materials and assessments that accommodate learner differences. Infusing technology is a proactive approach for leveraging diversity. This allows for change, as change comes from the margins.