Using What you Have
Universal Design for learning (UDL) -is is an educational framework based on research in the learning sciences, including cognitive neuroscience, that guides the development of flexible learning environments that can accommodate individual learning differences. The accessibility features on computers should be used when designing and implementing a lesson. The purpose of UDL is to reach every learner in the classroom. The accessibility features allow the teacher to accommodate students during the lesson. There are multiple features such as the screen magnifier which allows the user to zoom in as on whatever portion of the screen the user selects. There are three main components to UDL: Multiple Means of Representation, Multiple Means of Engagement and Multiple means of Expression.
Multiple Means of Representation- to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge.
Multiple Means of Engagement- to tap into learners' interests, challenge them appropriately, and motivate them to learn.
Multiple Means of Expression- to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know.
Multiple Means of Representation- to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge.
Multiple Means of Engagement- to tap into learners' interests, challenge them appropriately, and motivate them to learn.
Multiple Means of Expression- to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know.
Windows Accessibility Features
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/what-accessibility-features-windows-offer#1TC=windows-7. This site gives you the overview of the accessibility features available on windows. It also tells what each feature is and how to turn it on and utilize it. The site has a support number that you can call if you struggle to turn on the feature or have any questions. It also additional features that can be purchased from Microsoft for your computer.
Mac Accessibility Features
Apple has an entire page dedicated to showing user how to utilize accessibility features in Special Education. http://www.apple.com/education/special-education/ is a site that shows how to set up accessibility features and recommends how to use them in the classroom. It has a support number listed if you need to call about the accessiblity features on mac computers. It has links to other sites and products that Apple has that would be beneficial in Special Education. It goes over apps and programs that you can buy and provides links to useful resources.
Google Accessibility Features
The Google link (https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/177893?hl=en) has detailed instructions on how to turn on and utilize the accessibility features. Most of the features on Chromebooks are similar or the same as the ones on Mac and Windows. There are additional links to find out more information about each feature. It has a contact number in case you have any questions and has a recommended product page. The site is easy to navigate and gives easy instructions to follow to set up the accessibility features. The website provides links to various free google apps and programs that could be used as as assitive technology tool on the classroom.
Ipad in the Classroom
The Ipad has numerous accessiblity features. All of the features can be found on the following site :http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/. The site goes over how to utilize these features and how to turn them on and off. It has a separate page that specifically focuses on how to use the Ipad in the classroom. It gives some good tips and suggestions on products that could be effective depending upon the need of the student. It goes over E books and other apps that you can use on the Ipad that could be beneficial to students.