Implementing UDL in the classroom

The incorporation of UDL principles in classroom instruction presents some opportunities and challenges that may or may not be easily overcome. However, if used properly, there is no reason that the use of UDL instruction cannot significantly add to instruction and learning. Also, UDL in the classroom can be a fun and additional manner for ensuring student and teacher success.

Opportunities
Of the first opportunities that came to mind when thinking about incorporating UDL principles in the classroom includes the increased ability to differentiate instruction so as to meet the needs of a wider range of students. As we discussed in class, one PowerPoint presentation can involve many different features, all of which would appeal to learners in different ways. For example, a UDL PowerPoint could include music for auditory learners and pictures and graphs for visual learners. Also, interactive links can be included with the PowerPoint or used as extension activities to supplement instruction and learning.
Another opportunity provided through UDL instruction includes the breaking up of the monotony that can come with traditional classroom instruction. I wouldn’t recommend a UDL activity be used every day and maybe not even every week, but on the occasions when it is used, it would definitely be a welcomed change for students and teachers. It would also reinforce the idea that there are multiple ways to effectively learn and teach.

Challenges
I see three main challenges that could prevent the use of UDL principles and technologies in the classroom. First is the availability of the equipment that would allow a teacher to employ UDL techniques and principles. Because not every school is fortunate enough to have a lot of technological equipment, incorporating these alternate forms of instruction can be nearly impossible. Second, teacher knowledge on how and when to the technology in the classroom could also pose a problem. If the teacher is unfamiliar with and or accepting of the technology, then there is automatically a serious obstacle to using it in instruction. Third and related to the second challenge for UDL instruction is the philosophy of the school and the school environment including faculty/staff expectations and beliefs. If there are certain criteria and expectations placed on instruction and learning, UDL principles may or may not be a welcome addition to the school and classroom environment.

In the classroom
One way I can see using UDL in the classroom would be offer alternate methods for students to view the same material. For example, I can use PowerPoint notes and a movie clip of the same information and allow students to view one or both during instruction. This allows me to address the needs of more than one type of learner and make instruction more interactive.
A second way that UDL principles could be incorporated in my teaching would be through the use of PowerPoints that include many of the various features such as sound, graphs, pictures, and interactive links that will engage students during instruction. Relatedly, while using UDL PowerPoints in my instruction, I can print out student copy of the notes for students to fill in and add to during class. Specific attention could be paid to the points during the presentation when sound, graphs, pictures, and links are present so that students are connecting their learning in a number of ways such as writing the notes, visually seeing the notes, and an auditory portion of the notes. Through this, I am bound to catch the variety of students who learn in different ways as well as reinforcing concepts. A third way I could use UDL in my instruction includes offering UDL options as methods for assessing student learning. This would allow students to use the knowledge gained during instruction and technological knowledge to represent what has been learned. It would also provide a more accurate representation of student learning because through the options, students would be allowed to choose the best fit in accordance with their learning and abilities and use that tool to their advantage.

Conclusion
Overall, I hope to instruct in an environment that is both nurturing and encouraging of UDL principles as well as a variety of other instructional and learning approaches that can be used separately or together. I think if educators keep in mind that the ultimate goal is the success of the student, and then the use of such principles and approaches will not be met with so many obstacles. However, until that time when such acceptance of UDL and similar principles is widespread and the availability of the materials needed to incorporate such technology is available at all schools, educators will continue to challenged with how, when and what to use to ensure proper instruction and student success.