Week 5 Blog Post

        1. The article "UDL and Intellectual Disability: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go?" by Kavita Rao, Sean J. Smith, and K. Alisa Lowrey (2017) examines the application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in supporting students with intellectual disabilities (ID) in PreK-12 settings. This instructional framework promotes flexible learning approaches to accommodate all types of learners, including those with disabilities.  Classrooms typically separate these learners from their peers and place them in specialized classrooms, only allowing them to mingle with their peers in common spaces like lunches, recesses, etc.

            2. The first UDL Guideline I am planning to implement into the lesson I am creating is Consideration 5.2 - Use multiple tools for construction, composition, and creativity. The lesson I am creating results in students creating their own Jeopardy game based on their section of Commedia Dell'Arte. This guideline allows the students to use different online tools to conduct their research and create their games. Students will use Google Docs to collaboratively input their research and create questions/answers for their game. They will then use a Jeopardy creation website to create the game. 



 The second UDL guideline I am planning to implement is Consideration 2.1 - Clarify vocabulary, symbols, and language structures. When students are conducting their research, they will be tasked with identifying and defining different vocabulary words related to their area of Commedia Dell'Arte. 

3. The 2024 NETP talks about the implementation of UDL strategies in accordance with the Digital Use Divide. "Additionally, UDL, coupled with technology, has transformed how students demonstrate their understanding by creating an environment where learners have options and act as the architects of their own learning" (Office of Educational Technology, 2025, p.12). The NETP says how it is going to leverage technology to meet the needs of each individual learner. Providing new technological integration, rubrics, and consistent meetings between departments (technology and educators) all will allow schools to promote and engage in UDL strategies to better suit their learners.  Being in a school with a huge diversity, we heavily rely on technology for translation services and user friendly activities. 



REFERENCES: 

Office of Educational Technology. (2025, January). A call to action for closing the digital access, design, and ... https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-ED-PURL-gpo229250/pdf/GOVPUB-ED-PURL-gpo229250.pdf

Comments

  1. Mrs. Sheana OlsonFebruary 13, 2025 at 11:30 AM

    I completely agree with your perspective on how the 2024 NETP emphasizes UDL strategies to bridge the Digital Use Divide. The integration of technology in education has opened doors for diverse learners by providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression. Your mention of translation services as a vital tool in your school highlights a critical aspect of accessibility—ensuring that language barriers do not hinder student success.

    In my setting, where I work with students with varying abilities, UDL-aligned technology plays a crucial role in differentiation. Digital tools help provide individualized instruction, whether through text-to-speech software, interactive learning platforms, or adaptive assessments. However, I’ve also encountered challenges, particularly in ensuring all students have equitable access to technology, especially in low-resource environments.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Denisia SimpkinsFebruary 13, 2025 at 4:36 PM

      Hi Sheana. Although technology has many benefits it has its challenges as well. You mentioned equitable access to technology, especially in low-resource environments. I hate to say it but some schools do not get the bells and whistles of certain technology and it can come at a price, hindering student's learning.

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  2. MkaylaFebruary 16, 2025 at 9:58 PM

    I love the digital tool that you used. I think that the Jeopardy game is so fantastic, and definitely something that I would also enjoy adding into my lesson plans!
    Mkayla Edwards

    ReplyDelete

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