EDLD 5364 Week 3

My course readings for this week explored the Universal Design of Learning (UDL) a bit further. According to CAST (2009), "teaching methods that support diverse recognition networks provide multiple examples, provide multiple media and formats, highlight critical features, and support background context." Multiple means of representation is a primary principle of UDL that caters to the recognition network of the brain. The recognition network gathers facts and deals with the "what" of learning. I thought about this quote as I constructed my UDL lesson plan because these methods could also be used to show evidence of student learning. 

Edutopia.org provides "digital youth portraits" that follows a typical American teen all day: at school, at home, and on the road. I was so impressed by the technological savvyness of these boys. Mastering technology is second nature to them. So many thoughts were racing through my mind viewing the profiles of these teenage boys. As I saw one complete multiple assignments and socialize with his friends at one sitting at his laptop, I wondered if I could catch up to the digital natives. I was extremely relieved to see how forgiving these boys are of the adults around them. I chuckled when one suggested he would help his neighbors put together personalized digital albums as his summer job. It reminded me not to be afraid to ask for my students' input and help when I design tech savvy lesson plans.

Since teachers are more of a facilitator of student learning, we can teach by modeling. For example if I use a digital story teller to introduce content, I can have students use digital story telling as their final project. Since multiple means of engagement support the affective network of the brain, I chose three different formats to introduce my UDL lesson: digital story teller, blogging, and roleplay. After students demonstrate comprehension of content, I expect them to choose from one of the formats to undertake a project (final assessment). I can customize each format depending oN the learning needs of the students.  I believe the option from varied formats will encourage intrinsic learning. After viewing the digital youth portraits, I am confident that my gifted and talented students will be extremely helpful to their classmates (and me) throughout their learning process. 

Cast.org (2009). Model UDL lessons. Center for Applied Special Technology. Retrieved on March 16, 2012 from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/chapter6_2.cfm

Edutopia.org (nd). Digital Youth Portrait - Cameron. Retrieved on March 16, 2012 from http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-profile-cameron-video

Edutopia.org (nd). Digital Youth Portrait - Cameron. Retrieved on March 16, 2012 from http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-profile-luis-video