Running Head: UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY

Universal Design for Learning and Technology

Sean Barry
EDU 315

Running Head: UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a technique that is used for planning
lessons so that all students, regardless of differences, can develop meaningful skills
through their learning. UDL lessons provide multiple means of representation, multiple
means of action and expression, and multiple means of engagement (National Center on
UDL, 2014). UDL should be infused in classrooms because it is an approach that can be
effective with any child, as it can be easily modified to benefit a wide range of diverse
learners.
The iPad is a great way to create a UDL environment to fit the needs of all
learners. The iPads many unique features, including a built-in camera, speak selection,
and dictation, are all beneficial for different types of learners, including visual learners,
auditory learners, and hands-on learners, as they make the learning process much easier
for children who may struggle in certain areas.
The iPad has a built-in camera, which can be helpful in many ways in creating a
UDL environment. Teachers can use this function to take photos and videos that go along
with the material that is being taught to appeal to more visual learners. The article by
David H. Rose et al titled Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning: Two
Sides of the Same Coin backs up this idea when it states, digital images or video
provide an alternative representation that reduces barriers in comprehension for students
with language-based disabilities while providing descriptions and captions for students
who are blind or deaf (Rose et al, 2005). The camera can also be used as a tool for
communication, as it allows the teacher to send photos and videos of lessons that were
taught to students who were not in class, or students who learn better when they go over
material multiple times. It can also be used as a way to record a student displaying ideal

Running Head: UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY

behavior and to record student progress throughout the year (Apple, 2016). The camera is
an excellent tool to implement in the classroom because it helps more visual learners
understand and communicate material more effectively.
The iPads Speak Selection feature is another useful tool that can contribute to
creating a UDL environment in the classroom. Speak Selection allows students to
highlight text and hear a voice say what is written out loud. This function can be helpful
for students who struggle with reading. This tool can help improve students reading
comprehension and fluency as it helps them link speech with the text that they are
viewing. According to the Rose et al article, studies show that Students with languagerelated disabilities showed positive effects for word recognition, comprehension, and
fluency when using digital texts with synthetic, syllable- or letter name-level synthetic
speech transformations (Rose et al, 2005). This proves that tools like Speak Selection
are effective for students who struggle with reading.
The dictation feature on the iPad allows students to say what they want to write,
and then the iPad types it for them. This can be beneficial to students according to the
Apple website because For students with print disabilities like dyslexia, it may be easier
to speak a thought than to type it (Apple, 2016). This feature can also help students who
have physical disabilities that limit their ability to type, as keyboard alternatives may
reduce barriers in navigation and control for students with physical disabilities (Rose et
al, 2005). When students are doing projects involving lots of typing, this tool can be
easily infused into the curriculum. This tool would help so that children who struggle
with typing can still find and present all the information they need in a timely manner.

Running Head: UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY

Overall, the iPad has several features that can contribute significantly to a UDL
setting. While the built-in camera accommodates for visual learners, the Speak selection
appeals to auditory learners as well as hands-on learners. The dictation feature allows
children who are more comfortable speaking than writing to use their own spoken words
instead of typing them out. These iPad features, as well as many more, can be
implemented into lesson plans incorporating technology to create meaningful learning
experiences for all types of learners.

Running Head: UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY

References
iOS - More possibilities for every ability. Apple. (2016). Retrieved February 25, 2016,
from http://www.apple.com/education/special-education/ios/
Rose, D. H., Hasselbring, T. S., Stahl, S., and Zabala, J. (2005). Assistive technology
and universal design for learning: Two sides of the same coin. In Edyburn, D.
Higgins, K. and Boone, R. (Eds), Handbook of special education technology
research and practice, 507-518. USA: Knowledge by Design, Inc.
The Three Principles of UDL. National Center On Universal Design for Learning. (2014,
September 18). Retrieved February 25, 2016, from
http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/whatisudl/3principles