Universal Design for Learning

Teaching Strategies, Technology, and Special Needs

With the current push towards incorporating technology into the classroom, it is easy to do a quick Google search and find hundreds of technology tools that can be used to promote learning. However, the tool is only useful if the student who is using it is able to understand and manipulate it to his/her advantage. Consequently, teaching students how to use technology is critical in 21^st century teaching. Here are 5 teaching ideas focused around Daily 5 that incorporate technology and can directly help students with special needs.

*Note, I have not focused on a specific need since every student is different. Instead, I kept the ideas broad so that they can be catered to the individual as UDL suggests.*

1. Daily 5 – Read to self with Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000 is a Text-to-Speech program that allows the user to hear words written on the screen spoken aloud. If a student is reading an online book, s/he can upload it into Kurzweil 3000 and read the book directly from the program. Then, if the student is unable to decode a word, Kurzweil is able to say the word aloud so that the student can learn the new word and then continue reading. The student could also have Kurzweil re-read the book that the student just read to help ensure comprehension and reading accuracy. The program is easy to use and can be used not only for students with special needs, but any student who is working on learning new vocabulary or fluency.

2. Daily 5 – Read to someone with Educreations

Educreations is an interactive white board that allows for audio recording voice-over. When a student is reading, the second student can be recording the reading and also using the whiteboard to draw what s/he hears is happening in the story. This helps the student be an attentive listener and ensures comprehension. The teacher can then review the recording at a later time and monitor progress to ensure student success. Additionally, the student who was reading the book could watch the recording and listen to him/herself and the pair of students could also have a discussion on the reading (ex. Did they share similar thoughts about the book? Did the images drawn reflect both students' understanding of what happened? Are there other connections that can be made to the story?).

3. Daily 5 – Listen to reading with Audiobooks

Librivox is an excellent site that allows the public to access and listen to free audiobooks. There is an online catalog that allows the student to search and select a book that interests him/her and s/he can then listen to a book that is level-appropriate during the Daily 5 period. This is beneficial because the students can all listen to different books without feeling overwhelmed or bored because of the book's difficulty level. Librivox also offers books in a variety of language which is ideal for French immersion classrooms or for students who speak another language. There is something for everyone when it comes to reading!

4. Daily 5 – Word work with Smartboard

Smart Exchange hosts a variety of resources that can be used for word work during Daily 5. Teachers are able to create their own lessons geared to the needs of his/her students, or download lessons created by others. For example, there are several literacy games such as matching, sorting, fill-in-the-blanks etc that students could work on. Students can also complete these tasks in small groups and work on teamwork and interpersonal skills while improving on literacy. The teacher can carefully pair students to work together or create groups that will allow students of similar ability to work together. Students love working on the Smartboard and would definitely enjoy this literacy station regardless of ability!

5. Daily 5 – Work on writing with iPad

There are countless apps available for the iPad which focus on writing skills. For example, iWriteWords, Creative Book Builder, Poet's Pad, Scribble Press and more! Students can use these apps to improve on their writing and literacy skills since they are user friendly and can be easily monitored by a teacher through student accounts. Students in older grades can also publish their writing using an app called Blogsy which supports major platforms such as WordPress and Blogger. Students with special needs can easily edit their work using an iPad or use a text-to-speech writing app that lets them hear what they typed. Publishing work on a blog also helps students take pride in their work and allows them to comment on each others blogs and provide feedback – a useful skill regardless of age or grade level!

In conclusion, it is the role of the teacher to know his/her students and create differentiated activities that meet the needs of all students. This concept is also known as Universal Design for Learning since all students are able to achieve success by providing ways to represent, express, and engage with material. Technology definitely facilitates UDL as it provides alternative approaches to help all students succeed regardless of any hindrances they may have. Ultimately, anyone can learn when given the tools!