The Universal Design for Learning is a framework for individualizing learning for all students. Today I created a lesson with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL)Lesson Builder. The lesson builder itself does not offer much assistance in creating a lesson that is free from “Barriers To Success.” “Barriers to Success” is a term that is used to explain why some students are not successful in certain classes or during certain lessons. UDL stresses the importance of using technology to provide flexible lessons that can meet the needs of all students. However, CAST does offer some good resources.
The CAST Book Builder allows you to create an online book. The online book is easy to make and offers features to meet the needs of all students. The book includes a test-to-speech feature that reads in English and it can translate words to Spanish. You can also include a coach to offer the reader assistance. The book is easy to create as long as you have the content.
Cast offers other tools such as the UDL Curriculum Self-Check which allows you to check you curriculum for any barriers to success that may be preventing all learners from being successful. The online book, “Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age: Universal Design for Learning” by Rose and Meyer, explains how Universal Design for Learning can be used to teach all learners during a time when the student population is becoming more diverse than ever.
So I suggest before you use the UDL Lesson Builder that you read the online book and view the videos and tutorials provided. Try the Book Builder and then use the UDL Lesson Builder. After you complete the UDL Lesson use the Curriculum Self Check to assist you in removing Barriers to Success.
References
Rose, D., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Available online at the Center for Applied Special Technology Web site. Retrieved on November 30, 2009, from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/
The cast book builder sounds like a tool that should be used more often in schools. Text-speech capabilities means that it must be state of the art technology. Good article. Nice blog design.
Mr MakingUsmile
Mr. MakingUsmile,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. The cast book builder is a useful product that can benefit students.