Exploring UDL through the CAST Organization

The Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) is a nonprofit, multidimensional organization that works to eliminate barriers and expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning. The CAST Website contains videos as well as robust, free articles, guidelines and resources related to the UDL process. The CAST UDL Guidelines provides a framework of the important components of each of the three UDL principles and their relative neural networks. 

A great overview of the purpose and drive behind the CAST organization is displayed through their mission (video below). They proudly proclaim their motto of "until learning has no limits," which perfectly aligns with their goal of the implementation of inclusive, universally-designed instruction. Their goal is to work to discover all variability in learning styles and barriers, and develop methods and resources that educators can use to reach all types of learners.  

                     

         Watch the CAST mission:

Packing Your Teaching Toolkit

If you haven’t already, you need to check out the UDLToolkit (link below). This is an amazing (and free!) resource for teachers using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This website serves as a hub for UDL resources and information. It provides resources on information about UDL, as well as an abundance of materials that can be used in the classroom. This is quite literally a toolkit for a teacher in modifying and diversifying lessons and representation of materials for the students. Some of the provided resources include free text-to-speech software, graphic organizers, and tools for a variety of curricula areas. I really enjoyed how compact and all-encompassing the website is with supplying resources for such a wide range of subject and assistive needs. 

http://udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com/

(Screenshot of the UDL Toolkit website)

Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for teachers that encourages them to be flexible in their methods of instruction in classrooms. The key factor of a UDL is that it minimizes barriers to address the educational needs of all students, no matter their ability levels. The three main principles of UDL are multiple means of representation (“The what of learning”), multiple means of action and expression (“The how of learning”), and multiple means of engagement (“the why of learning”). Through representation, or presenting information and course content in multiple formats so that all students can access it, action and expression, or allowing students alternatives to express or demonstrate their learning, and engagement, or stimulating students' interests and motivation for learning in a variety of ways, teachers can be sure that they are providing an education that engages and includes all learners. 

Information found in : Assistive Technology In the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities, Second Edition 2012 by Amy G. Dell, Deborah A. Newton, Jerry G. Petroff,  Pearson, ISBN 10: 0-13-139040-6 or ISBN 13: 978-0-13-139040-9.

The Journey Begins

Hello, and welcome to my blog! I am currently a graduate student pursuing my Special Education Certification. This blog will be used as a platform to document my journey in exploring the world of assistive technology. The information that I learn along the way about assistive technology and special education will be posted here. Assistive technology is an essential tool in the realm of both general and special education. The use of assistive technology and universally designed lessons helps to make sure that instruction of curriculum is accessible to the diverse range of students that we encounter in today’s inclusive classrooms. I am excited to see what is in store for my education and would love to share what I have learned with everyone who reads this blog. Pack your (book) bags, because the journey begins today.