Universal Design for Learning is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people

based on scientific insights into how human learn. There are three principles that support this framework. 1.
WHAT. Provide multiple means of representation. This means giving many ways to access the curriculum and
content. 2. HOW. Provide multiples means of action and expression. Students need to give back or express what
they have learned in different ways that highlight their strengths. 3. WHY Provide Multiple Means of
Engagement. Students learn best when they are engaged in their learning. What this looks like is different for
each student.
Assistive Technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, product system that is used to increase, maintain or
improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Low tech AT includes grips for pencils, line
guides for reading, and raised line paper. High tech AT devices includes items such as loc dots on keyboards,
touch screen computers, BoardMaker for ASD students, and Earobics for auditory sensitivity.
Human beings, by their very nature, are not easily compartmentalized or defined by a text definition. Our needs
are wide, varied, complicated and interesting. AT is used to supplement and augment a learning style so that
students can achieve academic success. UDL is important to understand as we understand that not everyone
learns in the same way. I particularly like the phrasing teach to the edge from a recent Ted talk. As I think
about the edge of the needs of my students, those edges are where I start planning my lesson. I want to ensure
all students have access to the curriculum.
During the lab, I explored several AT devices and apps.
I explored the C-Reader. I can use it for my low or non-readers, and for my ELL students. It can read
text a loud. I am excited to use the same text for content lessons, with some students reading the text and
some students listening to the text. It can serve the same purpose as a read aloud. Students can gain the
experience of looking at the text while the words are being read.
I enjoyed the Echo Pen Livescribe that can read the text as the pen is moved over it. I can imagine it
would also be useful for my ADHD students.
StickyNotes will be useful when instructing students how to take notes. Many students do not know how
to study using the backwards method, and StickyNotes will be a useful tool.
I want to use Amazon Echo for my own personal use. Often, one adult is not enough in a classroom and
at times, the downtime is challenging while getting something set up.
Alexa could find content sites while I am managing other areas in the classroom. Co-Writer would be
very useful as a word prediction software for written assignments and for speech recognition. I can see
using Natural Reader for my ESOL students as it not only has speech to text, it also has the text in
different languages.
What I took away from the lab was that I wanted to go back. I took the vast array of solutions that I had been
thinking about for a few years. I am excited to have answers for students to questions I couldnt answer earlier.
In my future classroom, I will ensure that I first understand the needs of my students and where their strengths
and deficits lie and work to fill in the gaps with instruction.