Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is about providing access for all the unique individuals in the education system. Providing access means to remove barriers that could otherwise hinder the person from acquiring skills, information, and experience, to name a few examples. UDL is all about providing options and being flexible in how the curriculum is presented to students. To meet students diverse needs digital technologies will play a large role in how teachers engage and represent with their students, and also how students can express their learning.
Teachers should understand the goals of their lesson and use appropriate technology to represent information so that all have access to learn. Digital media has the flexibility to appeal to visual and auditory senses and is just one of the many tech options for the transfer of information. Second, students should know why they are learning what you are showing them It has to be relevant or motivation will be a problem. Luckily there are many ways to engage students using technology mediums of their choice. Technology can help them stay engaged and it can also fit into the last section of UDL: expression. Expressing their work through a variety of mediums should be offered as an option. For example, audio recording, video reports, wiki reports, digital comics, etc.
I look forward to the future as more and more great technology develops. Of special interest is the potential for virtual reality head sets in the classroom!
I look forward to the future as more and more great technology develops. Of special interest is the potential for virtual reality head sets in the classroom!