As I'm finishing up Module Two, one thing that has really stood out for me is the idea that technology tools for students with special needs is really just an excuse to use tech tools for ALL students... as we need to recognize that every student would benefit from these benefits!!
Universal design allows us now, more than ever, to customize the learning environment to reflect the varying needs of every child, and to offer more choice and input than ever before. Yes, the curriculum and expectations are still the same, but does it matter is Johnny writes about it while Suzy sings about it? No, as long as they content is there and each student si comfortable with their choice.
Last year (grade 6), I thought I was honouring this idea with Genius Hour - kids got to pick their topic, do their own research, show their learning via Google Slides... until I had a parent contact me about a student who was being kept up at night in worry about having to present his slide show. Of course it would be OK if he just presented to me or if he just handed his slideshow in! Why didn't he know that?!?! OH... I wasn't explicit in my explanation. My bad.
This idea of fitting the learning to match the student happens frequently in kindergarten, but I think it gets lost once they move onto a more formal curriculum... it's time to take this flexible design and put it into all classrooms to benefit all students!
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