EDLD+5364+Week+2+reflection

It’s important to know that not only is teaching with technology helping prepare students for the future and what we can no longer predict but also that it builds students’ self-esteem and keeps them engaged more than ever before. It is equally important to ensure the curriculum and design of instruction closely aligns with the classroom objectives. Therefore, it is critical that teachers and administrators, the like, have resources that can aid in their preparation and implementation of aligning the best curriculum for 21st Century learning.

CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) is an excellent resources specifically designed to expand learning opportunities and enrich K12 instruction of diverse learners, also known as Universal Design for Learning or UDL. UDL uses the power and flexibility of technology to appeal to all students regardless of abilities. UDL introduces teachers to think outside the box by synthesizing critical elements like teaching goals and objectives to satisfy a group of diverse learners in their classroom. The one-size-fits-all approach of teaching is obsolete.

Dr. David Rose, Chief Scientist for Cognition & Learning for CAST, discusses three different brain networks that must be understood in order to teachers to embrace UDL—recognition networks, strategic networks, and affective networks. Recognition networks involve the gathering of data and facts that allow us to classify and identify what the content before us, specifically what we see, hear and read. Recognition networks are referred to the “what” of learning. Strategic networks involve the planning and performing of tasks. Solving problems or writing a paper are strategic tasks and are considered the “how” of learning. The “why” of learning is defined as the affective network. These networks involve the engagement and motivation of learning that keeps students interested in the new content. CAST’s UDL principles help educators customize curriculum and teaching techniques for unique and diverse learners in each of these brain networks.

Reference List: Lessonbuilder.cast.org (nd). //Principles of Universal Design for Learning//. Retrieved on Oct. 5, 2009 from []