Marilyn Mathis

(University of South Carolina)

EDET 735

Can Technology Enhance

Universal Design for Students

Abstract

Universal design for education tries to provide

appropriate instructional opportunities for all

learners. When teachers follow the principles of

universal design for education it can help make

the planning process easier and the final product

more efficient and effective for all participants.

This presentation will present web resources, new

technology and activities that will enhance the

principles of Universal Design.

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Student Diversity

Student diversity is a very important component of

the education setting. Universal design minimizes the

need for individual accommodations and strives to

include all learners. Instruction is planned by

accounting for the active participation of learners who

are culturally and physically diverse.

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Presenting Material

When presenting material it is very important that it be

presented in a variety of ways such as spoken text or printed text

and pictures such as illustrations, photos, animation, or video

that are intended to promote learning. Most of the time material

is not presented in the actual classroom but offered at a

distance. Therefore, material is presented on CD’s, TV, videos,

charts, graphs, computer software and websites.

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Kurzweil Reading Software

Text-To-Speech Software

Read Naturally

Dictionary Resources

Ways of Communication

Blogs

Twitter

Instant Messenger

Tools That Enhance Learning

These are a few of the tools that may be used to

enhance Universal Design for learners. Their

websites may be found on the following pages.

Technological Resources

http://www.kurzweiledu.com/

http://readplease.com/

http://www.readnaturally.com/

http://dictionary.reference.com/

http://www.oovoo.com/

https://twitter.com/

http://dashboard.aim.com/aim

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