Reflection on UDL

As a learner, I feel that technology has always aided in my understanding in nearly every area. I believe that using modern technology into the classroom can be one of the most beneficial things I can do for students as teacher. However, after listening to the podcast about Universal Design for Learning, I realize that unless digital media is flexible and adaptable, using technology can be ineffective for students and can have a negative impact on learning potential. With the UDL, goals need to be set and we need to be aware of how methods are designed. When working in a classroom, all students have different abilities and needs and it is important to make sure that learning methods are not fixed. There are so many different ways to work technology into the classroom. While I have always assumed that technology would be beneficial to students, I have to keep in mind not only that what works for me does not necessarily work for everyone else, but also while some types of technology may help one student, it may be necessary to use different technologies to help another. This type of issue is one I found while listening to the podcast. I would normally find it more beneficial to watch a video or slideshow, however, others may find a podcast to be more accessible for them.