Web 2.0 Tools: Enabling a UDL Classroom

Web 2.0 Tools:

Enabling a UDL Classroom

Universal Design for Learning is a framework that enables teachers to structure their classroom to engage as many learners as possible. The goal of UDL is to remove any potential barriers for learning and in turn, increase student's access to learning.

Screenchomp allows teachers to create small video tutorials and lessons that can be easily shared and accessed. You can add video, pictures, interactions and voice to the screen. You need an iPad to create a screen ‘chomp’, but once you do, it will be given a short URL that can be accessed from anywhere.

This app could remove quite a few learning barriers – so long as the students/school have access to internet enabled devices. This app allows for multiple means of expression, so students who are not good at writing can record themselves reflecting aloud. It also provides a creative outlet for students who are not artistically talented. This app would also help students who have trouble focusing or listening when the teacher is lecturing. It allows students to go over the information as many times as they need and presents it in a way that is directed to the individual student, rather than the class as a whole.

While there are no age restrictions on the app itself, Apple has outlined very clear age restrictions for using the Apple store:

“This iTunes Service is only available for individuals aged 13 years or older, unless you are under 13 years old and your Apple ID was provided to you as a result of a request by an approved educational institution. If you are 13 or older but under the age of 18, you should review this Agreement with your parent or guardian to make sure that you and your parent or guardian understand it.”

http://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/us/terms.html#SERVICE

Quizlet is an online study resource that uses flashcards and study games. You can access existing review games and cards that others have already created or you can create a game for the exact material you need to know.

Teachers can create specific study activities to ensure their students cover all the necessary material.

Students can track their learning progress and go over questions they got wrong.

Games and Activities include:

-          Flashcards

-          Matching (words with definitions, uses or pictures)

-          Practice Tests

-          Spelling Bee

-          Space Race

This app has no age restrictions, however, students under the age of 13 require parental consent.

Spiderscribe is an online mind-mapping resource that allows students and teachers to create simple or complex, multi-media mind maps.

Teachers can use Spiderscribe to create a review activity or as a map for students to follow throughout a unit to track their progress. It would also be a good tool for students who are absent.

Students can use Spiderscribe to organize their ideas, prepare for exams or projects. It is a good way to lay out information, connect ideas and find supplementary resources (pictures/videos/websites) to support them or further their understanding.

There are no age restrictions for this app. Terms of use may be found at: http://www.spiderscribe.net/terms.php

There are so many great tools out there!

You can use these websites as a starting off point:

http://udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com/

http://www.edudemic.com/best-web-tools-slides/