UDL, a positive experience.

As I mentioned in our first class, I am not a teacher. However, most of time is spent in a classroom supporting both students and teacher. I see various forms of teaching and learning from grades K-8. As Tobias said UDL is simply, about providing alternative forms of learning. In my experience, I have found that teachers who utilize UDL strategies had more class participation/engagement, students take more pride in their work, are eager to learn more, communicate their thoughts more effectively, and were more accepting to peer and teacher review/critic and, there was more collaboration among our young scholars. I saw all of these results while working with 7^th and 8^th graders’ on project for their literacy class.

I am not sure which I was more impressed with, the outcomes of UDL or, our 7^th and 8^th grader literacy teacher’s ability to teach literacy through web-based programs like Prezi, Glogster, Gradebook, IPhoto, and IMovie which allowed students to create exceptional projects.

Prezi- is a more fun, more creative web-based presentation application and storytelling tool that uses a single canvas instead of traditional slides. It was presented to students as the newer power point. It allowed students to insert text, images, videos other objects into one project. This helped students create a timeline and tell a story through web artifacts.

Glogster- Is a unique way of creating multimedia posters. It was with the use of gloster that students were able to collaborate with one another and as a classroom. Like Prezi, it allowed students to insert videos, pictures, texts, etc. Glogster also allowed students to share their work via blogs, wiki’s and webpages.

Gradebook- Gradebook along with gmail allowed students to communicate with Ms. Roberto (the Literacy instructor) and other students, in and outside of the classroom. It also allowed students to view their academic progress and grades. This encouraged students to take an active role in their learning and made them take responsibility for assignments and grades.

Imovie and Iphoto- When I showed students my flipcam and asked them to participate in a project I was doing for Bank Street, they became slightly obsessed with the ability to create movie, music videos and videos utilizing Imovie and Iphoto. Other students borrowed my camera and created a stop motion animation film. Students gained an understanding of the editing and film making process through these web based applications.

I think all of these web-based programs empowered our students. It allowed students to explore, create and take charge of their own learning. Our students became jazzed about learning and coming to class each day. These resources kept students engaged and overall, allowed students to overcome learning barriers that they typically would ignore or not participate in. My hope is that more teachers would explore the benefits and effects of UDL and incorporate it into their daily lessons.

Sharon Ahram