Universal Design for Learning and Web 2.0 Tools

Universal Design for Learning: Web 2.0 Tools

Dropbox

URL: https://www.dropbox.com/

Dropbox is a great tool for file storage and back up that allows you to have your documents synced online and across different computers, enabling access to them from anywhere. You can also use it to easily share files with others and it also makes collaboration easier.

For education, it means providing students that don't own a home computer access to their files whereever they choose to work, whether that be at school or at the library. It also provides many benefits over using a USB memory stick - it's free and is great for those that tend to misplace items.

It's simple and easy to create an account, however, its use is restricted to those at least 13 years of age. Therefore, it would be more suitable for Junior and Senior High school students.

Destination Modern Art

URL: http://www.moma.org/interactives/destination/#

This is a great interactive tool for younger children (aged 5-8) to explore and learn about modern art, specifically the art found in the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City. It provides children with the opportunity to learn about the art and the artists in a fun and engaging with, with lots of visuals.

The interactive and visual elements of this tool can be helpful to visual learners. It also provides students with the opportunity to explore an "online gallery" and works of art that they aren't able to access in the real world (since it's located in New York City).

As previously mentioned, it is more suitable for a younger audience, ages 5-8 or K-3, and it may be helpful for these students to have assistance nearby to navigate the tool.

Cram

URL: http://www.cram.com/

Cram is a flashcard exchange, where you can search for flashcards that others have created and posted, or you can create your own. There is also an option to browse by subject. They also have an app, allowing you to take your flashcards on the go and share with others.

Flashcards are a great tool for studying and memorization, especially for things such as tests and exams. It provides those that may struggle with recalling information a way to break down information into key terms and ideas so that it's easier to process. Additionally, having web-based flashcards means you can access your flashcards anywhere and take them with you, making it super convenient.

I was not able to locate an age restriction, but I feel it would be more suitable for Junior and Senior high school students as that is when there tends to be more information that needs to be memorized and where more assessments (quizzes, tests, exams) are done.