Just over eight weeks ago I was still not sure what exactly Universal Design for Learning was or what its components were. This class has taught me more about UDL and the importance of differentiating my instruction by following the three principles of UDL: multiple means of representation, multiple means of engagement, and multiple means of expression (CAST, 2011). Technology is a great tool to use in the classroom because it simplifies the process of differentiation and gives students an amazing number of options making students excited about learning and allowing for endless opportunities (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009a).
There are some immediate adjustments that I will make in my classroom to differentiate instruction. I will create more options throughout the learning process so everything will better meet their needs. If we have learning goals in place, then why should it matter how students reach those goals? All students need an opportunity to improve their skills and learn (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009d), so I will provide multiple ways for them to do so. I have provided some options for students, but I want to make more options available more often so they will be engaged in the classroom and material will be at each of their levels of understanding.
One adjustment that I have already made is allowing my students the opportunity to use a computer to type essays or writing responses. Students have the opportunity to concentrate more on the writing process rather than worrying about spelling and grammar because they will have the spell checking tool to review their work (Bray, Brown, & Green, 2004, p. 48). This is also beneficial when students first complete a rough draft because it makes the revising process much easier and less time consuming when using the computer.
Another adjustment that I am making in my classroom is to provide more opportunities for students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding. Students have different strengths, so they should have the opportunity to use their strengths to express what they have learned. I plan on giving my students the opportunity to create a podcast, Voicethread, PowerPoint, or Prezi for their career speech rather than only giving them the one option of giving a speech. Some students are not confident in their speaking skills and they get very nervous, so I want to give them other ways to express their knowledge (CAST, 2011) of the career they researched that makes them feel more comfortable.
I often have my students create posters for projects with specific information regarding whatever we are studying. This is great for the students that are good artists, but for others, it is a major struggle and they hate every part of it. I can allow them to make a glog that would have the same requirements, but it eases the stress of making it look nice when artistic ability is lacking.
The most important lesson that I learned from this class is that content and curriculum cannot remain as rigid as it has been. All students are different, so we must treat them appropriately and make sure that the content and curriculum are a good match for each student (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009b). To do this, we must get to know our students and then form the curriculum around them. It must remain flexible and have options so each student has an equal opportunity to reach each learning goal. For students to have equal opportunities to learn, we must use technology as a guide to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of our students and be willing learners along the way (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009c).
References
Bray, M., Brown, A., & Green, T. (2004). Technology and the Diverse Learner: A Guide to Classroom Practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Center for Applied Special Technology. (2009). UDL guidelines, version 2.0. Retrieved from http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009a). Differentiating instructional elements. [DVD]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore, MD.: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009b). High quality curriculum. [DVD]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore, MD.: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009c). Putting is all together. [DVD]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore, MD.: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009d). Universal design for learning. [DVD]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore, MD.: Author.
