Chapter+4

Vikiana Espinal Michelle Kohler Stuart Hollis

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) involves an adapted instructional approach to provide each student with appropriate instruction. All students do not learn in the same manner or at the same pace. UDL ensures that each student will be taught in a way that that helps each particular students needs, and to provide a successful learning environment for all students. For a successful learning environment teachers must consider the 3 principles of UDL. Principle 1 is to provide multiple methods of presentation. This principle focuses on the recognition learning, students understand information, and can make sense of ideas and concepts. Principle 2 is to provide flexible methods of expression and apprenticeships. The principle focuses on how the brain enables students to plan, self- monitor actions and skills, and monitor patterns. Principle 3 is to provide options for engagement. This focuses on the student’s motivation to participate, and show an interest in learning. In order to apply these three principles we must put them to use in the classroom setting. UDL must be implemented with new media, assistive technology and knowledge of applied neuroscience in order for it to work. Through brain research we are able to learn how the brain works, but most importantly how students learn.  There are two different styles that a student uses to learn. Bottom up learners learn through the use of the senses. These kinds of learners in the classroom will benefit from being able to touch and feel for example; if the lesson is about construction, having them touch sandpaper might be a good idea. You really can’t go wrong by including any material that stimulates the senses such as sight, hearing, touch, and taste. Therefore in order to accommodate those that may have difficulty with one sensory modality, try to include as many different modalities in your lesson as possible. The other kind of learning style is the top-down processing, in which the teacher can provide additional context or activate prior knowledge to help the student retain the material. Through the use of guiding questions or extra detailed information about the subject the teacher helps the student learn. In this day and age it is undeniable that media and technology are two things that have helped transform the way we can give out information. Digital media is not only flexible but is versatile and can give so much support to the teacher. We are no longer constrained to book as things like reader are becoming popular. This kind of program that pronounces highlights and can take notes as the student reads through the pages. New media is making it easier for students to have access to different kinds of material. Finally we must discuss how assistive technology is improving education. Assistive technology helping the student overcomes barriers. Things such as speech recognition not only helps those with disabilities but just people in general. UDL Podcast UDL Pod cast Transcript UDL has its roots in building design, the drive to make building accessible for all regardless of any physical handicaps a person might have. These architectural improvements like elevators and ramps make for a more inclusive and enriched society. These same principals, those of inclusion and accessibility have given rise to the universal design for learning a mentality that seeks to make learning more accessible for all regardless of any limitations a student might have. This in turn assures that all students have access to education and all its benefits ensuring that none are left out in the cold. UDL calls for a more personalized approach to learning that focuses on a students strengths better enabling them to succeed academically. Software can be used to great affect in this regard but often all it requires is a dedication to your students and the willingness to buckle down and give students an education that is customized to play upon there strenghts over there weakness enriching to quality of education for all students.

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