UDL - Universal Design for Learning

UDL -universal design for learning, is a term that was introduced during our first class.Because we keep coming back to this  - it deserves its own blog posting. The basic principles behind universal design for learning is to give all individuals equal opportunities to learn. Each individual is unique so diverse techniques are required to meet all learners needs.

UDL is based on 3 principles:

• How is information gathered?             
• How is information acted upon?                                     
• How are they engaged?                       

These are products and services designed for or made usable by people with the widest possible range of functional capabilities (Edyburn, 2012). It makes sense then that the assistive technology tools such as the iPad, iPhone and iPod fall under the umbrella of UDL they make the inaccessible for those with special needs or disabilities accessible!

5 free favorite sites that support UDL, select the site name to check out the link:

Site Name	What it’s About	Why I Chose It?
Math Playground	Engaging, fun math games and activities for grades P-9. There are games or links to all outcomes. There is also a big section on solving word problems which I really like!	Enhances mathematical reasoning and calculation, supports. Engaging and fun great for visual learners, executive function disabilities, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADD
TrackClass	Provides the user with multiple ways to plan and stay organized: time, calendars, alerts, notes, files and schedules.	Great for executive function disabilities, ADHD, ADD. Allows to self-monitor schedule and track work completion.
ReadWriteThink	Offer a huge range of free language arts support for grades P-12. Links to interactive tools that help with organizing and summarizing, inquiry and analysis, poetry writing, writing and publishing, and games for learning about language.	Enhance written output, great for reluctant writers, visual learners, executive function disabilities, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADD
Math Dictionary	A glossary of mathematical terms, organized in alphabetical order; there are examples included with each definition and in some cases is interactive.  The site is useful for grades P-12.	Enhance reasoning and comprehension. Supports visual learners and working memory, ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome. Printable will support study notes. Allow students to work independently
Bubbl.us	Brainstorming and organizing tool. Easily customize notes, colour coding, text, bolding and highlighting. Great for collaboration too.	Supports visual learners and working memory, ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome. Allow students to work independently