Universal
Design for Learning (UDL) is a type of curriculum that is developed to break
down barriers for all students, including those with special needs, and
maximize their learning opportunities. (UDL, Youtube). This method of learning
proves that no one student learns the same, and each one can benefit greatly
from an education that varies representation of material, allows them to
express themselves freely, and fully engage them by capturing their attention.
As technology continues to advance, students are becoming a generation of
digital natives, “A generation that is the first to grow up with digital and
cyber technologies.” (Nelson, Rosen, Web 2.0) This means that this generation
has become experts at technological advances and experiences them on a daily
basis. For this reason, it is important for teachers to incorporate some of their
students’ interests and abilities into the curriculum.
Web 2.0 teachers incorporate such
advances like web sharing and blogging into their classrooms. Unlike previous
years of internet usage, information from one person or a group of people can
be accessed by many others. This “many to many” feature allows students to
search, engage, and participate in internet activities that although
educational, may appeal to them. In a special educational setting, it is very
important to use activities that students can find enjoyable so that their
attention is maintained. This would integrate the different means of representation,
expression, and engagement that is fundamental in UDL.
By using UDL and Web 2.0 with
students with special needs, students can work at their own pace for specific
projects because they can utilize the web from home. They may also feel more
comfortable in this setting, and more comfortable using multimedia tools as
opposed to traditional ones. Cooperative learning can allow them to feel
included amongst their peers and give them a sense of belonging. However, there
may also be some drawbacks. With so many people being accessible to the
internet, blogging can create hostility from students with different viewpoints.
Also, if a student were to post
information that was incorrect, they may be scrutinized by their peers, which
can affect their self-esteem. Other setbacks can come from students who may
want to engage in something more hands on. These issues should be handled
proactively by the special education teacher to ensure that UDL mixed with Web
2.0 creates the best learning experience possible.
References
Rosen, D., Nelson, C. Web 2.0: A
new generation of learners and education.
What is the Internet, Anyway?
After watching “What
is the Internet, Anyway,” an interview on The Today’s Show, it amazed me to
see how far we have come with technology. I understood how the hosts did not
know what the “@” symbol meant, or how it was read, because I remember having
the same questions years ago. I can remember a time when “Google” wasn’t
popular and people instead “Asked Jeeves”.
This just shows how fast technology can advance right before your eyes. As future teachers, there will always be some
things that we may still not understand that our “digital native” students may.
However, it is our responsibility to gain the knowledge, and not be embarrassed
by our now “traditional” ways. We have to consider that these students are
being exposed to these advances so frequently that if we utilize other modes of
technology that is in a sense, outdated, we may lose their attention and
interest.
Very nice job on your thoughtful response about the connections between Web 2.0 and UDL. You gave excellent insight and support from your readings.
ReplyDeleteI also am surprised to hear you remember when the "@" sign was new and that we used to use Ask Jeeves. I thought I was the only one!