Dizzy, My Head Is Spinning...Week 3 EDLD 5364 UDL

     This week's topic introduced the concept of UDL- Universal Design for Learning.  Three networks are necessary for the learning process.  One network is the "recognition" network.  It involves how students deal with information and process it.  Learning needs to be given in a variety of methods in order for students to learn, recognize and remember it.  In the past, teachers would give notes, and then show a movie to try to use multi media.  In the second network, "strategic" network, work is differentiated to allow for individualized needs of students.  Students can be involved in the assignment instead of passively sitting and listening to the teacher.  Students can have control over the performance, outcome and input.  They have a vested interest in the lesson and have more in depth knowledge of material than just filling out worksheets.  The third and last network is "affective" network which motivates students to produce quality work, want to learn and be involved.  The UDL lesson format helps to plan lessons with technology involvement with these three components.
   Simple, workable plans are key for a successful lesson.  Keeping your end objective in mind is critical in planning.  Reading these principles are practical strategies for teachers to incorporate technology into their lessons.  I have used many lesson plan formats over the years, and this one was very simple and easy to use. Incorporating their strategies into the lesson was practical and necessary due to today's stress on testing,  need for individualizing of lessons and meeting diverse needs of students.  Technology can be flexible for students and give them control over the content while maximizing their learning.  The UDL provides a uniformity while allowing flexibility in subject, content and assignments.  UDL provides a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that work for everyone--not a single, one-size-fits-all solution but rather flexible approaches that can be customized and adjusted for individual needs.  Several times I have used the comment that "one size fits all" doesn't apply, and they make the case for me. Worksheets where everyone answers the same questions in the same time period really don't accomplish much, while technology based assignments allow students to show their strengths and knowledge.  We have moved from carving in rock, to papyrus, to quill, fountain pen, typewriter.... we need to progress further.

ebook- American Revolution Causes-

http://bookbuilder.cast.org/view.php?op=share&book=60602e9f7b34a92e10747c4dc3da7a7a&sid=11748

  Cast.org (2009). Model UDL lessons. Center for Applied Special Technology