UDL and its Challenges
This course will try to follow the standards set by UDL or Universal Design for Learning. UDL is a set of guidelines based on scientific research of how humans learn. Most people learn in very different ways. Using UDL strategies teachers can minimize barriers for students to help reach everyone during instruction. First curriculum should be able to be understood by everyone. By recognizing this, UDL also brings attention to different kinds of learning: representation (the what), action and expression (the how) and engagement (the why). Since all students learn differently and the curriculum needs to be understood by everyone, the design of lessons needs to be incredibly flexible. Most importantly educators should take people who are in the margins of learning and design for them. If one designs for people with special needs, all students end up benefitting. The obvious example is a ramp for wheel chairs. If you build a ramp instead of stairs, people who are not in wheelchairs can still access. Using this concept, UDL applies it to flexible curriculum.
The first way to use UDL is to ask the question: what do I want my students to know? Secondly, educators must take into consideration the barriers in the classroom. In order to do this, teachers must provide multiple means in which to access each kind of learning: representation, action and expression and engagement. Using multimedia and varied supports like graphics, activating background knowledge and support vocabulary can help students reach learning goals. Give students multiple options for expressing what they know. Models and feedback can guide students on the right path. Of course, choice is also a key element. What engages one student might not engage another. Following these principles while still keeping the learning goal in mind will help remove barriers and reach all learners.
For this course, I want all of my students to learn ways to use technology to collaborate. By having students create their own collaborative lesson, I will know they have learned. By getting to know my students, I will understand if I need to make accommodations for individuals to meet their needs.
The first way to use UDL is to ask the question: what do I want my students to know? Secondly, educators must take into consideration the barriers in the classroom. In order to do this, teachers must provide multiple means in which to access each kind of learning: representation, action and expression and engagement. Using multimedia and varied supports like graphics, activating background knowledge and support vocabulary can help students reach learning goals. Give students multiple options for expressing what they know. Models and feedback can guide students on the right path. Of course, choice is also a key element. What engages one student might not engage another. Following these principles while still keeping the learning goal in mind will help remove barriers and reach all learners.
For this course, I want all of my students to learn ways to use technology to collaborate. By having students create their own collaborative lesson, I will know they have learned. By getting to know my students, I will understand if I need to make accommodations for individuals to meet their needs.