Potential+Impact+of+UDL+in+my+Classroom

In the ever changing world of education there have always been certain truths that all educators learn early in their careers. One such truth is that every student has different needs, and that is exactly why we need to implement UDL methods in our classrooms. I will definitely find more places for UDL in my class. Without knowing it, I have been using UDL for a long time. I think this is due in large part because of my acceptance and understanding of Gardener’s multiple intelligences. From the idea that we all learn differently, I have tried to vary my lessons since the start of my teaching career. What I know I can do a better job of now from learning about UDL, is that technology plays a huge role in varying that instruction for students. In the past teachers could not provide what they can now in the form of interactive blogs, wikis, smart boards, interactive concept maps, etc. I plan on using various methods of instruction and reinforcements at the same time and it is in large part due to UDL. My efforts to podcast lectures, have virtual tours, blogs, and visual blogs will intensify. Giving students options and variety has always been important to me, perhaps because I remember what it was like to be disenchanted with certain methodologies of teaching, and they will continue to be important. The great fear I think from many teachers is that this sort of teaching does not help students do well on a standardized AYP test, and that might be true short term, but long term it is not. If an ELL learner is not strangled with “my way or the highway” assessments, they can become comfortable in the classroom and comfortable with the idea of education. Once that comfort level is there and students embrace education, they crave more from their education. Perhaps the ELL student finds success and wants more of a challenge and attempts writing a paper instead of podcasting their ideas about a book. It might be that the student who has done well writing papers but is physically handicapped discovers the want to participate in a skit or play even with limited mobility. Too often we look short term as educators, UDL might take longer for state and federal standards, but it helps deliver the ideal we have that every student will become educated in our school systems no matter what their disability, ethnicity, race, or creed. Bottom line, I will implement UDL ideas in my classroom.