Universal Design for Learning Training @ GWU

Hello there and welcome to the wonderful world of universal design for learning..what every turtle should know and understand.

“Researchers had wrestled with e-book readers for decades, but most sported power-thirsty, backlit LCD screens that glared in low light or were drowned out by bright sunlight. The breakthrough this time is a screen made with “electronic paper” from E Ink Corporation in Cambridge, Mass. Sony, Amazon and other makers worldwide are using the material.”

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=library-to-go

“Self-medication may be the reason the blogosphere has taken off. Scientists (and writers) have long known about the therapeutic benefits of writing about personal experiences, thoughts and feelings. But besides serving as a stress-coping mechanism, expressive writing produces many physiological benefits.”

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=the-healthy-type

Over the past three days, we have discussed how the Universal Design for Learning  framework is made up of three principles that guide the way that we look at teaching and learning. Each principle indicates what a learner needs to support a specific brain network. We have also looked at teaching methods that support these three principles. These are clearly stated on page 151 of the The Universally Designed Classroom as well as on the goldenrod “UDL Checklist” handout.

Your task is to spend the next 25 minutes creating an “alternate representation” explaining ONE of the principles. It should indicate  what a learner needs to support that specific brain network as well as some teaching methods that support that principle. When you are finished, post either a photo of or the actual alternate representation to your blog.

Just a few ideas: interpretive dance, play-doh sculpture, drawing, mosaic, jigsaw, Inspiration concept map, PowerPoint photo collage, PhotoStory, song or speech with transcribed lyrics or explanation, poem, pop-up book, other…