Blog Post #3 Universal Design for Learning

 

What is UDL? 

• UDL stands for Uninversal Design for Learning. UDL is an instructional approach that enables teachers to create lessons that are appropriate for all students and learning styles. This is achieved by using flexible strategies and materials during instruction and allowing students to demonstrate understanding in various ways. The comic below reminds us that all students learn differently thus, they should not be expected to test the same.

Picture Link: http://www.sjsu.edu/cfd/docs/UDL%20at%20ALS.pdf
 
How can choice options increase access to curriculum? 

• Providing choices for methods of instruction, materials used, and assessment allows students to use their dominant learning style to get a deeper understanding of what is being taught. Options also encourage students to be engaged in learning by giving them a voice and motivation to learn. It can also lead to the student feeling more confident.

What are the three essential elements of UDL?

• The three essential elements of UDL are representation (what of learning), action and expression (how of learning), and engagement (why of learning). Representation refers to how information is presented; this should be done in multiple formats such has visual, auditory, and tactile. Action and expression refers to allowing students to demonstrate their learning in various ways. Engagement refers to motivating students by incorporating their interests in learning (IRIS).

 Picture Link: http://www.udlcenter.org/sites/udlcenter.org/files/12_udl_guidelines.png
 
What are some resources for UDL?

• The Center for Applied Special Technology or CAST is a non-profit organization that provides a plethora of information on UDL. Their website has the most updated information and resources needed to better incorporate UDL in the classroom.  http://www.cast.org/

• The following resource is a module that goes into detail explaining the UDL model and how to incorporate in the classroom.  http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/udl/ 
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Blog Post #2 SETT Framework

What is SETT framework?

• The SETT framework refers to a model that encourages thoughtful decision making regarding assistive technology. SETT is an acronym that stands for Student, Environment, Tasks, and Tools. This acronym is used as a reminder for two things 1) the student is always the main focus when making decisions and 2) that the student, environment, and tasks should be the focus when choosing what tools to use in planning, instruction, and evaluation (Dell, 2017, p.16).

How can it be used to make decisions for students with disabilities at AT?

• The SETT Framework can be used to make decisions for students with disabilities in the classroom because it analyzes each factor in the student's environment and the functionality of the tool and task. 
• For example, a student has a physical disability such as Cerebral Palsy and has trouble with fine motor skills, when writing and drawing the teacher may provide a pencil grip for that student.  Another student who also has Cerebral Palsy however, may not benefit from a pencil grip due to severity of the disability. This student may use a recording device to speak rather than write because the student can not hold a pencil.

• Another example of using SETT Framework, is if a student has a speech impairment and needs a communication device however, can get easily off task. While a high tech device such as an iPad can enable the student to communicate, it can create an environment that is too distracting for the student. To create an environment that allows the student to stay on task, the teacher may consider a GoTalk which is a simpler medium tech communication device. 
• The image below represents all of the things that should be considered while deciding what AT to use.

 

 

Picture Link: http://joshuadonowat.weebly.com/uploads/6/0/6/9/60690735/8137162_orig.jpg

 
Resources for the SETT framework?

• Joy Zabala created the SETT framework. Her website is an excellent resource to use to learn more about the SETT framework as well as other related topics, such as Universal Design for Learning. She also provides downloadable documents that anyone interested has access to.

http://www.joyzabala.com/#2768

Dell, A.G., Newton, D.A., & Petroff, J.G. (2017) Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing the

school experiences of students with disabilities (3rd Ed). Boston: Pearson. ISBN:9780134170411