Reflection

Prior to this course, I was not familiar with the Universal Design for Learning or the learning tools (ebook and lesson builder) they had available. The UDL is “principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn” (Cast, 2002). I enjoyed reading about the different networks, and how we as teachers need to present information in multiple ways, allow for expression of knowledge in multiple ways and to motivate an interest for learning.   The UDL lesson builder helps teachers with selecting “different approaches for teaching information (what), for teaching skills and strategies (how), and for teaching students to love learning (why)” (Rose, 2002). This tool is very time consuming for use but helps to make sure all networks are covered and differentiation is achieved. The UDL book builder allows users to “create, share, publish, and read digital books that engage and support diverse learners according to their individual needs, interests, and skills” (Cast, 2002). With my team members, we were split into elementary teachers and math teachers so we decided to create lesson on math at the elementary level. Through discuss via google drive, we decided on data analysis and begin deciding on different lessons. My student are always questioning when they will use a topic in real life so I created a lesson to help address this.

Cast.org (2009). Cast UDL book builder. Center for Applied Special Technology. Retrieved from http://bookbuilder.cast.org

Cast.org (2009). Model UDL lessons. Center for Applied Special Technology. Retrieved from http://udlselfcheck.cast.org/

Rose, D., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Available online at the Center for Applied Special Technology Web site. Chapter 6. Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/