Assistive Technology Toolkit and Universal Design for Learning

     In Kelly Ahrens's article "Build and Assistive Technology Toolkit," Ahrens explains the importance of assistive technology for students with special needs. She explains that many of these helpful tools are free, and with some exploration, you can build your own toolkit for your students. Many tools are already built in on your computer, and others are low cost tools. Ahrens suggest that teachers should join the local special education budget or technology advisory committee in order to advocate for AT (assistive technology). The incorporation of AT tools in the classroom should help students of all learning types and abilities, and it should help students gain confidence.
     I think this article is a great tool for teachers. I think a lot of teachers don't know what is out there for students who need extra help, and they don't realize what helpful tools are already installed on their computer. I really liked how Ahrens provided the reader with specific tools to look at, but also encourages teachers to work with their IT department to get these tools put on school computers and used in the classroom.
     The video "Universal Design for Learning" is about teaching a diverse set of students. UDL (Universal Design for Learning) is a curriculum that is made for all types of students, and is designed for every type of learner. This means that the buildings people learn in are built with wheelchairs, biikes, and pedestrians in mind, and that online learners have closed captioning; essentially it is a flexible curriculum for a diverse group of students. This curriculum requires teachers to provide multiple means of representation, action, expression, and engagement. As the video puts it, "universal design for learning equals learning opportunities for all."
     This video is similar to the article because it is about setting students up for success, no matter what type of learner they are, and no matter what type of learning needs they may have. I think the approach to UDL is very simple, but effective. It requires teachers to give multiple representations and ways to explore learning, which helps students of all learning abilities to apply themselves and understand subject matter. This is definitely the type of teaching I want to have going on in my classroom because I think it is more effective and engages students better.
     Ahrens's article and assistive technology makes use of ISTE Student Standard 6. The use of different technological tools will help them to learn subject matter more effectively and students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the use of the tools themselves. They should also be able to use their knowledge of one system to learn a new system of technology. UDL  should help students to achieve ISTE Student Standards 1, 2, 3, and 4. Students will be able to be creative with their learning and the use of technology should also help them to collaborate with other students and to build better communication. UDL will help with research on subjects and a better process od critical thinking and problem solving among students.

Ahrens, K. (2011). Build an assistive technology toolkit.Learning & Leading with Technology, 39(3), 22-24.
UDL Video: http://www.udlcenter.org/resource_library/videos/udlcenter/udl#video0/