Universal Design for LearningDevon Hanks

Students in today’s classrooms have a wide range of abilities and needs. They have different background knowledge, different educational and cultural experiences, and different rates of skill acquisition.

What is Universal Design for Learning?

UDI is a designing curriculum that addresses the diverse needs, strengths, and background learners.

When thinking about UDL, we need to address the three networks in the brain: Recognition Network Strategic Network Affective Network

Recognition Network

Recognition Network

This part of the brain controls your sensory organs: Your eyes Your ears Your nose Your throat

With the Recognition Network, you will know how to recognize a dog, smell pizza, and hear a bird.

The Recognition Network of the brain is the “what” of learning.

Strategic Network

Strategic Network

This part of your brain allows you to: Move: walk, shoot hoops, dance, etc. Plan steps necessary to complete a project Know how to respond to questions Take notes and understand what is important

Affective Networks

Affective Network

The Affective Network is responsible for developing preferences and establishing priorities and interests.

The Affective Network is “the why” of learning.

This part of the brain allows you to: Engage with tasks and influence our motivation to

learn

What is Assistive Technology?

What is Assistive Technology?

The Assistive Technology Industry Association describes it as “any item, piece of equipment, software or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the function capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Assistive Technology in the Classroom

Students with disabilities can use assistive technology in the classroom.

Mobility devices include wheel chairs and walkers

Students can also use hardware and software for assisting students with computers

Assistive Technology with Apple Computers

Apple includes assistive technology as a standard feature on its products.

Apple Mobile Devices

The iPhone, iPad, and iPod include screen magnification and VoiceOver.

They also have screen-access technology for the blind and visually impaired.

Mac Computer

On every Mac Computer, there is simplified user interface that rewards exploration and learning.

For students who have difficulty using a mouse, every Mac computer includes Mouse Keys, Slow Keys, and Sticky Keys

Additional Resources

Enable Mart is a great resource for learning about different types of Assistive Technology

http://www.enablemart.com/

Here is another great resource!

http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/702-assistive-technology-for-kids-with-learning-disabilities-an-overview.gs?page=all