universal design for learning & assistive technology

UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING &ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Creating Accessible ClassroomsKaren Coffey

WHAT IS UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING?

Universal Design for Learning, or UDL, is an instructional approach that opens opportunities for all students by using digital media and flexible instruction to help students meet their educational goals.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN HISTORY

Universal design began as an architectural movement in the USA. Curb cuts, automatic doors and ramps were added to buildings during the design process rather than as an after-thought.

The concept of universal design has also been applied to web page designs which enable users with special needs to access the internet.

More recently universal design has been applied to education. UDL has entered the educational world at this point in time because the technology is more available making UDL possible.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN ARCHITECTURE AND PRODUCTS Curb Cuts Ramps Captions on TV Elevators Easy Grip Tools

.

UDL CONTINUED

UDL provides equal access to learning, not simply equal access to information.

Universal Design allows the student to control the method of accessing information while the teacher monitors the learning environment.

UDL CONTINUEDUDL has its basis in neuroscience; the three principles correlate with the three networks in the brain which must be simultaneously engaged for optimal learning to occur.

UDL AND THE LEARNING BRAIN@

Cast, Inc.

Recognition networks

Strategic networksAffective networks

WHO BENEFITS?

Students who speak English as a second languageInternational studentsMature studentsStudents with disabilitiesStudents with different learning stylesStudents with varying academic abilitiesStudents with complex medical needs

UDL principles make education more inclusive and effective by removing the barriers from the learning process.

If we design curriculum following the principles of UDL, we effectively remove the need for “special accommodations”

UDL CONTINUED

THREE KEY PRINCIPLES OF UDL

Multiple means of presentation

Multiple means of expression

Multiple means of engagement

http://www.udlcenter.org/screening_room/udlcenter/guidelines#video0

MULTIPLE MEANS OF REPRESENTATION

Universally designed course content provides alternative presentations of essential concepts. Various methods of presentation can allow the student to learn the information in their preferred method.

HOW DOES THIS LOOK IN A CLASSROOM? Content could be presented using

multiple media, such as oral lectures, textbooks, charts or diagrams, audio tapes, and videos.

The same content could be changed from one medium to another, such as oral output for students with reading difficulties or pictures and illustrations for students who need a visual image.

MULTIPLE MEANS OF ENGAGEMENT Universally designed course content maintains varied skill levels, preferences, and interests by allowing for options.

Having flexible teaching strategies and course content, students can choose methods that support their interest and skill levels.

Tap into students’ interests.

HOW DOES THIS LOOK IN A CLASSROOM?

Students would choose their preferred method of learning new material. One child might learn vocabulary by playing a game in a race against the clock; another might create stories or even artwork to incorporate the new words.

Materials would provide extra support where students need it. For reading practice, independent readers could read silently from a book.

Students needing more support might read computer-based stories where they could click on a troublesome word to hear it pronounced or have the entire text read aloud.

Assignments could be varied according to each child's skills. If the goal of a project is to learn research skills, more advanced students might be required to produce a longer report or cite more references. Students with less developed research skills might gain as much from creating a report using fewer references to cover a limited number of key points.

UDL CONTINUED

Offer choices of learning context Offer choices of content and tools Offer adjustable levels of challenge Offer multiple ways to be successful

MULTIPLE MEANS OF EXPRESSIONUniversally designed course content allows for alternate methods of expression.

Allow students multiple means of demonstrating mastery of the material.

HOW DOES THIS LOOK IN A CLASSROOM?

Assignments would be accepted in various formats. A student who finds written expression difficult might show his knowledge orally; another might turn in a report, write a play, or develop a project to demonstrate learning.

UDL CONTINUED“Paper and pencil" exercises could become "computer and printer" exercises for students who are slowed down by the physical effort of writing, or for any student who prefers using a keyboard.

Provide opportunities to practice with support Provide opportunities for group discussion Provide cooperative learning opportunities Allow opportunities for oral presentations

UDL CONTINUED

All the brain networks engaged simultaneously

UDL & ATAssistive Technology

&Universal Design for Learning

How do the two support each other?

WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?Assistive Technology (AT) is a generic term that includes any piece of equipment that is used to increase efficiency, maintain function, or improve the capability of individuals with disabilities. AT can assist people with disabilities to accomplish many tasks of daily living. These tools can help them to achieve greater independence and to enhance their quality of life.

RESOURCESUse of technology increases accessibility

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ5CkpgVQJ4&feature=related

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Text-to-speech software (e.g., Kurzweil 3000) Screen-reading software (e.g., Jaws) Audio textbooks or e-text Screen-enlarging software (e.g., ZoomText) Visual mapping software (e.g., Inspiration) Braille translation software and embossers Video print enlargers (CCTVs) Accessible workstations

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXHawlHLmtI&feature=related

KURZWEILHTTP://WWW.KURZWEILEDU.COM/

@ Cast, Inc.

KIDSPIRATIONHTTP://WWW.INSPIRATION.COM/KIDSPIRATION

@ Cast, Inc.

Inspirationhttp://www.inspiration.com/Inspiration

Odyssey

@ Cast, Inc.

http://www.humanware.com/mydreamclassroom.com/college

UDL RESOURCES (UDL for the next generation 9 min.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEFKfXiCbLw&feature=related

(UDL toolkit) http://udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com/

(Wordle) http://www.learningplace.com.au/ea/licsunshi

necoast/licwonderfulwordle/licwonderfulwordle.htm

RESOURCES http://www.disabilityissues.ca/documents/LD

Resour.pdf

IN SUMMARY:UDL occurs when teachers plan instruction and curricula that address the needs of all students, regardless of their learning, behavioral, or physical challenges

Increases in digital technology has created an environment where UDL is now possible.

Together , UDL and AT is paving the way for more accessible classes for all