UDL in Your Classroom

 

For the past few days we have been reviewing what the term UDL is and how it should be used in a classroom setting. We researched the tools it takes to implement such a strategy and why it is important to add such a curriculum. In these blogs I have provided some pretty great resources-websites, ideas, and other blogs to help in aiding your journey into becoming a teacher who uses UDL. I have one more site to add to the link, National Center On Universal Design for Learning-the link can be found here  Here. This is an amazing website that will challenge you as an educator then grow you into a great teacher.

 
One particular aspect that I found very helpful was the article on the importance of using technology to aid in the UDL process. While on the website you can click on the pdf (or word) to read all the interesting facts that the article contains. Below are some questions along with the answers. This will give you a feeling of what the article is about and if you want to read more about it:

Q: What are the UDL Guidelines?

The guidelines provide a framework for identifying specific evidence-based options and alternatives to consider in designing successful learning activities for all students.  They are organized according to the three main principles of UDL: Provide Multiple Means of Representation, Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression and Provide Multiple Means of Engagement.

Q: Can the UDL guidelines be meaningfully implemented without modern technology?

Older fixed technologies, like print, demanded approaches to teaching and learning; the newer technologies allow, and encourage, flexibility and diversity instead. This power and flexibility greatly enhances the ability to individualize and customize the learning experience. However, as this article reveals, it is possible to implement the UDL guidelines without digital technology.

Q: Is UDL about modern technology or about teaching?

While modern technology makes implementation and elaboration of UDL easier, the UDL principles are guides to successful teaching for all students that can be applied with or without technology.

Q: How does UDL differ from good pedagogy?

Pedagogy, the science of teaching and learning, includes the educational methods that skilled educators use to guide and mentor the student in the learning process—increasing opportunities for learning.  The purpose of UDL is to ensure that all students have equal access to those opportunities.

Q: Is UDL appropriate for all grade levels?

Although this article uses an example of a lesson typically used in the primary grades, UDL is a framework that can decrease barriers and maximize learning opportunities for all learners—from early childhood to adulthood. Preschools to institutes of higher education have begun embracing UDL in order to improve learning opportunities for all students.


I felt these questions and answers were a perfect roundup of the past few days. We have learned that using UDL in a classroom is a must! All students learn differently and that's where UDL comes into play. To incorporate UDL we can use technology (computers, IPADs, hearing devices, etc.). The main element of UDL is to have a teacher who knows how to add this into his/her classroom and to also know their students.

I hope you have learned a lot with me on this journey so far. I look forward to writing much more on this topic and how it impacts our life.



Reference:Rose Ed. D., D , Gravel Ed. M. , J., & Domings Ed. M., Y. (2010, 01). UDL Unplugged: The Role of Technology in UDL. Retrieved from http://www.udlcenter.org/resource_library/articles/udlunplugged