UDL+AND+CAST+LESSON+AND+BOOK+BUILDING

This week's lesson focus was on Universal Design for Learning and teaching to multiple intelligences and multiple abilities. We worked with the CAST UDL lesson builder and the CAST Book Builder. I really enjoyed the book builder. It allowed me to see how just one element of technology can be used to reach all students, regardless of learning styles or learning abilities. I feel that this is the primary benefit of technology in the classroom..and beyond. Technology offers a flexibility that paper and pencil tasks don't. I can use multiple approaches to teach the same instructional material in order to reach all the students in my class. Likewise, technology offers students choices when creating products to demonstrate an understanding of the material taught and learned. With a paper and pencil task, I am limited in making modifications to meet the needs of students who are struggling for whatever reason. Technology can be used to reach students with learning disabilities or physical disabilities, English Language Learners and other at-risk or struggling students. It can also be adjusted and utilized to create extension activities for other students. While technology offers a flexibility and more options (multiple approaches) for teaching struggling students, it ultimately benefits all students.