Learning+Journal+2

 **Learning Journal #2 **   The UDL approach is a Universal Design for Learning. In other words, the UDL approach is a way of teaching in order to reach every child’s individual and diverse needs. According to Rose and Meyer, “UDL seizes the opportunity brought by rapidly evolving communication technologies to create flexible methods and materials that can reach diverse learners.” The UDL approach is a main component when it comes to reaching diverse learners and improving student learning. Since the UDL approach uses various methods of instruction through media and technology, instruction can vary depending on each child’s learning ability. As a teacher, I will use the UDL approach in order to reach the diverse learners in my class by adjusting my lessons based on each child’s needs. For example, I may use digital text, sound, or images in order to reach a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner. “The three UDL principles, implemented with new media, can help us improve how we set goals, individualize instruction, and assess student progress” (chapter 4). There are many ways to differentiate instruction based upon students needs and I think as a teacher it is crucial to get to know each of your students in order to differentiate accordingly. By using the UDL approach, all students will have the opportunity to use technology and media in order to achieve a higher level of success in the classroom.   The UDL approach has allowed me to reach my learning goals for this course in various ways. First, the UDL approach has given me different ideas and examples of how to differentiate my instruction for my students. In order for my students to achieve a high level of success, I now feel as though I have more resources available to me so that I can ensure each child’s success. I feel more willing and able to incorporate technology and media into my everyday teaching and I think the UDL approach has helped me become more creative and more aware of the resources available to me as well as my students.   I do feel as though I have reached many of my learning goals for this class. I wanted to be able to find better ways to incorporate technology into my every day teaching and I think the UDL approach has given me tools, resources, and ideas in order to do this successfully. I also wanted to become more resourceful in using technology to plan and guide instruction. I think because of the UDL approach, I am much more aware of the different tools and resources that are available. For example, I was unaware of how to use web 2.0 tools, google docs, concept maps, and other forms of media and technology. I now feel more comfortable using these forms of technology in my teachings in order for students and teachers to collaborate. Finally, I wanted to be able to express important information to my students through the use of technology. Since technology is constantly changing, I feel as though it is important to keep up with the different types of technology. This class has allowed me to learn how to use new programs and become more familiar with ways to express my ideas through the use of technology. The only thing that still remains is for me to keep learning about the different forms of technology and media resources that are available to me and to keep incorporating these things into my everyday teaching.
 * What is the UDL approach and how will you use it? **
 * How will the UDL approach allow you reach your learning goals for this course? **
 * Have you reached your learning goals yet? What else remains? Explain your answer. **