Universal Design for Learning
What is UDL?
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.
Why is UDL Necessary?
Individuals are all different and differ in the way that they learn. A teacher can not teach every child the same way, they need to figure out what each individual child succeeds with and play to the childs' strengths.
Principle 1: Provide Multiple means of Representation-Recognition Network, the "What" of learning
For example, those with sensory disabilities (e.g., blindness or deafness); learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia); language or cultural differences, and so forth may all require different ways of approaching content. (http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/whatisudl/3principles)
Zaption
This is a great resource to help lessons come to life and to grab your students' attention
PBS and PBS Kids
Memarden
LearnZillion
Flashcard Stash
Knoword
A Math Dictionary for Kids
Desmos
Desmos
Desmos is a free, online graphing calculator. Desmos can plot a variety of different equations, from lines to parabolas and more. It is available online and as an app.
Principle 2: Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression--Strategic Network, the HOW?
For example, individuals with significant movement impairments (e.g., cerebral palsy), those who struggle with strategic and organizational abilities (executive function disorders), those who have language barriers, and so forth approach learning tasks very differently. Some may be able to express themselves well in written text but not speech, and vice versa. It should also be recognized that action and expression require a great deal of strategy, practice, and organization, and this is another area in which learners can differ.
InkleWriter
Inklewriter is a great tool (and FREE) for students to use to show what they've learned.
Thinglink
ThingLink is the leading platform for creating interactive images and videos for web, social, advertising, and educational channels. Be creative! Make your images come alive with video, text, images, shops, music and more! Every image contains a story and ThingLinkhelps you tell your stories.
Glogster
Winning Word Apps
Kahoot!
Kahoot is an online quiz, the teacher creates the quiz, the students will see the quiz on the Smart Board, computer, or Sharp TV and they can answer the questions from their Smart Phone, tablet, Chrome Book, or laptop.
ReFlex Math
Bubbl.us and other Digital Graphic Organizers
Announcify
This is a great tool for students who are struggling readers, students with vision issues, and ESL students.
Principle 3: Provide Multiple Means of Engagement--Affective Network, the WHY?
There are a variety of sources that can influence individual variation in affect including neurology, culture, personal relevance, subjectivity, and background knowledge, along with a variety of other factors presented in these guidelines. Some learners are highly engaged by spontaneity and novelty while other are disengaged, even frightened, by those aspects, preferring strict routine. Some learners might like to work alone, while others prefer to work with their peers.