(PD Title No. EDU4407E)

Special Students in Regular Classrooms: Technology, Teaching and Universal Design Course Syllabus

Proficiency Level: Mastery

Subject(s):Foreign Languages,Language Arts and Reading,Guidance,Health Education,Industrial Education,Interdisciplinary,Leadership Training,Multicultural Education,Music,Parent Education,Psychology,Science,Social Science,Volunteer,Special Education,Technology,Computer Education,Mathematics,Business,Art,Career Tech,Library Media

Grade(s): PreK,K,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,CC,Other

Hours: 30.00

Description: This workshop, co-developed by EDC and CAST (Center for Applied Special Technologies), provides an introduction to the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and strategies for implementing a UDL approach in instructional settings. Universal Design for Learning is a new approach to teaching and learning and the development of curriculum and assessment that draws on current brain research and new media technologies to respond to individual differences. UDL curricula, teaching practices, and policies are inherently flexible and therefore may reduce the demand on educators to develop and implement modifications and accommodations to meet individual differences within general education learning environments. The basic premise of UDL is that a curriculum should include alternatives to make it accessible and applicable to students, teachers, and parents with different backgrounds, learning styles, abilities, and disabilities in widely varied learning contexts.

This workshop is designed to acquaint students with UDL principles, and provide practical, hands-on experience using software tools and digital media for learning support. Students will explore how these tools can be incorporated into their classroom practice, and begin preliminary steps to design a curriculum unit that utilizes these tools.

Pre-requisites: This is an introductory graduate-level workshop for teachers, technology specialists, curriculum specialists, professional development specialists, or other school personnel. Students are expected to have regular access to computers. In addition, students should be proficient with using email and a current web browser, and navigating computer files.

As mentioned above, this workshop requires students to download demo versions of several types of software. Students will have guidance from their course facilitators in completing these activities, but should be prepared to address unique issues that arise with their technology as they go through the download process.

Objectives: This workshop will enable participants to:
1. Understand the basic principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
2. Learn strategies for addressing diverse learning needs using digital media
3. Learn about the educational potential of digital text and how to locate these resources on the Web
4. Explore a variety of software tools to extend learning opportunities for all students
5. Prepare preliminary plans for a classroom curriculum project that incorporates some of the UDL software tools explored in the workshop
6. Identify building and district-level resources necessary to support full implementation of UDL in classroom practice