Assistive Technology & Universal Design for Learning

• When it comes to building and improving digital equity in the classroom, it is important to remember the tools that your students have access to outside of the classroom. A way to determine students' needs is by administering a tech survey at the beginning of the year to see which students have access to internet and other technology tools at home. From this survey you should be able to determine what homework you can give to your students, and what needs to be done in the classroom. Before giving an assignment that involves a new technology tool, try it out for yourself to learn how it works and operates. Building empathy in the classroom is so important when it comes to the tools that students have available to them. As a teacher you never want to make them feel bad for what they don't have.

• The Universal Design for Learning is meant to improve and optimize teaching and learning based on science to determine how exactly humans learn. There are 3 different categories that fall under UDL based on the ways people learn best. Under these 3 main categories are several subcategories that narrows the scope even more. The 3 main categories include: Engagement (the "why"), Representation (the "what"), and Action & Expression (the "how"). Overall, the goal of these categories is to produce teachers and learners who are purposeful & motivated, resourceful & knowledgeable, and strategic & goal-directed.

• Technology can be very helpful for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504 plans. These can be commonly confused with one another, but they are indeed different. An IEP is set in place for anyone with anything holding them back from their educational needs. This could be as small as they have a bad back and need to leave class early so they don't get bumped into in the halls. It can also be more severe; for example, hearing loss. Technology can help this student in the classroom so they can hear the teachers instruction more clearly. A student with a 504 plan has a learning disability, such as dyslexia or ADHD. This individualized plan helps them find tools to help them succeed in the classroom. Technology is great for students with 504 plans in some cases. Having regular meetings with the teachers, families, the student, and counselors helps with making sure the plan in place is beneficial to the students learning.