March+30th,+Session+Ten

 The last few weeks, we’ve learned about the 21st Century Classroom and Learner. Our discussions, readings and resources have covered a range of topics from managing students, data analysis to differentiation. I was excited to hear feedback from several of you that have used some of the strategies or Web 2.0 tools discussed in class! For the next several classes we will be looking at Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

This week, I’ve provided two presentations, video and website resources to begin our discussions and implementation. Please note there is a self evaluation quiz at the end of the second UDL PowerPoint presentation. Doesn’t sound like much but the website is very comprehensive! Please use your time this week to review the resources that will lay the foundation for our next several classes.

What is UDL???? UDL addresses barriers to learning. This is an important concept as we look at the Standards Aligned System; because we move enable our students to meet standards by removing these barriers. All of these are elements of SAS. So you will see that UDL is a tool for educators for use in all areas of standards-aligned instruction. UDL allows learning to meet the needs of ALL students, not just a subgroup.

The word "universal" is sometimes misunderstood to suggest that there is a single solution that works for everyone. But the essence of UDL is flexibility and the inclusion of alternatives to adapt to the myriad variations in learner needs, styles, and preferences. UDL principles draw on brain and media research to help educators reach and teach all students by setting appropriate learning goals, choosing and developing effective methods and materials, and developing accurate and fair ways to assess students' progress. With UDL, each student is addressed as an individual with unique needs, interests, and abilities. Bringing Universal Design for Learning into classrooms and educational practice may sound like a difficult task. In fact, in a classroom supplied only with conventional materials—such as textbooks— it is. But today’s teachers have access to a variety of tools such as digitized text, multimedia software, video recorders, tape recorders, and the World Wide Web. These tools have the flexibility teachers need to accomplish Universal Design for Learning and to provide for a broad spectrum of students.

media type="custom" key="5761717"

media type="custom" key="5761687"

media type="custom" key="5761639"