Universal Design for Learning
Traditionally, schooling was designed with the average student in mind. Students sit in seats designed for the average student. Learning material was chosen based on what the capabilities of the average student was thought to be. This has been the way things have been for decades, but things are slowly changing. The notion of 'average' is an illusion. Humans share similar characteristics but we all vastly differ in numerous ways. One way is the way our experiences, environment, and our genes shape who we are as unique individuals. There is variability in the way humans learn: some learn better when the information is presented in a visual way, for others it may be auditory or hands-on.
Universal designs for learning is a way of structuring teaching so that the information is presented in multiple ways (e.g.: auditory, visual, hands-on) so that all learners have the opportunity to be successful. Universal design for learning allows for more than one way for learners to arrive at success. It also allows students a variety of ways to demonstrate their understanding. Assistive technology tools allow students to receive information in a variety of ways; students have choices on which tools to use to arrive at success and students have choice on how to demonstrate their understanding.
Assistive technology helps to remove barriers for students who are struggling. For some students, reading is a barrier and it affects their performance in other subjects, such as Science. Rather than having to struggle through reading, technology tools, such as Kurzweil, can assist the learner with reading either a scanned document or the "read the web feature". That the student can not read should not hinder him/her from learning the material in other subjects. Students should have the opportunity to receive the information in a variety of ways.
Students have the opportunity to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways, using technology tools. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, posters, video, or pictures are just a few common options available. Recently, my Grade 6/7 class completed a Science Powerpoint project. Some students used Kurzweil to help them write their text, some created simple powerpoints and others used animation, timers and audiofiles in theirs. There is variability in the learners in my classroom and technology tools allowed each of them to work at their own levels and arrive at success.
Technology allows teachers to make several options available for students to allow them to arrive at success. During writing groups, some students could be using Microsoft word, others Kurweil or Dragon Dictation. The end result will still be a piece of writing and they will all have experienced success. Recently, I worked with a Grade 4 student who I have noticed has amazing ideas and is quite bright but he is unable to produce even a few words on paper. I showed him how Dragon Dictation works and he recorded his story. The look of pride on his face when he was able to show his teacher what he produced was inspiring.
Humans vary in the way we look, act, feel, or learn. We need to celebrate our variability and make use of the amazing technology tools available to us to make learning accessible to all learners.
Universal designs for learning is a way of structuring teaching so that the information is presented in multiple ways (e.g.: auditory, visual, hands-on) so that all learners have the opportunity to be successful. Universal design for learning allows for more than one way for learners to arrive at success. It also allows students a variety of ways to demonstrate their understanding. Assistive technology tools allow students to receive information in a variety of ways; students have choices on which tools to use to arrive at success and students have choice on how to demonstrate their understanding.
Assistive technology helps to remove barriers for students who are struggling. For some students, reading is a barrier and it affects their performance in other subjects, such as Science. Rather than having to struggle through reading, technology tools, such as Kurzweil, can assist the learner with reading either a scanned document or the "read the web feature". That the student can not read should not hinder him/her from learning the material in other subjects. Students should have the opportunity to receive the information in a variety of ways.
Students have the opportunity to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways, using technology tools. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, posters, video, or pictures are just a few common options available. Recently, my Grade 6/7 class completed a Science Powerpoint project. Some students used Kurzweil to help them write their text, some created simple powerpoints and others used animation, timers and audiofiles in theirs. There is variability in the learners in my classroom and technology tools allowed each of them to work at their own levels and arrive at success.
Technology allows teachers to make several options available for students to allow them to arrive at success. During writing groups, some students could be using Microsoft word, others Kurweil or Dragon Dictation. The end result will still be a piece of writing and they will all have experienced success. Recently, I worked with a Grade 4 student who I have noticed has amazing ideas and is quite bright but he is unable to produce even a few words on paper. I showed him how Dragon Dictation works and he recorded his story. The look of pride on his face when he was able to show his teacher what he produced was inspiring.
Humans vary in the way we look, act, feel, or learn. We need to celebrate our variability and make use of the amazing technology tools available to us to make learning accessible to all learners.