UDL and EdTech

Universal Design for Learning and EdTech: Partners in the Classroom

"Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a research-based set of principles to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible and effective for all." (www.cast.org)

UDL and EdTech go hand in hand to meet the needs of all students by providing choice and voice in their learning through the use of purposeful technology.

REPRESENTATION (the WHAT of teaching/learning)

• Teachers can guide information processing, visualization, and manipulation through the use of HYPERDOCS.
• Teachers and students can illustrate through multimedia presentations using GOOGLE DOCS, DRAWINGS, AND SLIDES.
• Students have alternatives for auditory and visual information using the ACCESSIBILITY feature in CHROME.

ACTION & EXPRESSION (the HOW of teaching/learning)

• Teachers and students use multiple tools for construction and composition through the GSUITE (Google Apps for Education: Docs, Slides, Forms, Sheets, Drawings, My Maps).
• Teachers can optimize access to tools and assistive technologies using the ACCESSIBILITY feature in CHROME as well as its ADD-ONS and EXTENSIONS.

ENGAGEMENT (the WHY of teaching/learning)

• Students can self-assess and reflect through apps such as SEESAW LEARNING JOURNAL and PADLET.
• The use of GOOGLE DOCS, GOOGLE CLASSROOM, PADLET, and SEESAW fosters collaboration and feedback.
• HYPERDOCS and SEESAW can optimize choice and autonomy.

UDL and EdTech can help motivate and produce goal-directed learners that are both resourceful and knowledgeable. (www.cast.org)