The benefits of using todays technology in a UDL classroom

How does UDL work as a framework for curriculum reform that takes advantage of new technologies in learning? With all the technology available in today's classrooms the opportunities to educate ALL students regardless of their race, culture or disabilities are endless. A print based environment is impractical in today's world. By using digital media and computer technology the curriculum can be presented in multiple ways that allows all students to find the method that works best for them. UDL provides students with the goals, materials, methods, and assessment to work together in a classroom. Once these guidelines are in place the use of technology becomes essential in working with each individual with in the classroom. It is important to include all students in our classrooms without jeopardizing their individual needs. Technology allows a teacher the flexibility to use different methods and materials to reach all students and still keep everyone together and involved in the class. Having an inclusive classroom benefits all students, not just the ones with disabilities. Everyone learns from each other and by using technology it increases the opportunities for all students to be able to communicate and work together in one environment. Having a class full of students who feel welcome and can learn together is crucial in creating a good learning environment.

http://teachingeverystudent.blogspot.com/2007/06/free-technology-toolkit-for-udl-in-all.html
http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/785-universal-design-for-learning-improved-access-for-all.gs?page=all

Strategies to Teaching a Multicultural Classroom?

An important part of teaching a multi cultural classroom is getting to know your students. To truly get to know and understand your students you must get to know them inside and outside the classroom. Getting to know their families and their individual cultures is also important. Students from other cultures may also have different learning patterns, which may cause the teacher to have to readjust the way the students participate in a class. Language differences can also act as a barrier in classrooms. It is important a teacher learns all her students cultures and she treats each culture with the same respect. Creating projects that groups of students from different backgrounds can work on together is also important. Most important a teacher must be willing to embrace all her students and have open communication in her classroom.


There are many different aspects of students that make up a classroom. Some of these aspects are their language, culture, and birthplace. Another is their socioeconomic level, personality types, and their different hobbies and interests. For this reason we need to provide different strategies that will help all students work together in a constructive way. Creating a classroom that respects and welcomes different points of view supports the growth of all students.

http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/teachlearn/resources/multicultural/
http://www.personal.psu.edu/scs15/idweb/multicultural.htm
http://www.teachhub.com/multicultural-education-your-classroom