tion that students learn to use technology and digital media strategically and
capably ( goo.gl/d5yxCO). Consider the
full range of students who may be learning across a classroom, school, or district
and provide easy-to-access resources
that support the needs of visual learners,
auditory learners, and students who need
multiple avenues to help them gather and
analyze information. (See “Tech Options
for Gaining Information”.)
Ultimately, the integration of UDL
practices supports the heart of the
CCSS, encouraging the development
of digital age skills such as flexibility in how to gain information and
demonstrate knowledge as well as the
ability to use media and technology
to be prepared for life after schooling
is complete. Whether through the use
of digital text or through virtual math
manipulatives, applying the principles
of UDL supports students in achieving
the rigors of the Common Core.
Beth Poss is a special education
administrator for Montgomery
County Public Schools in
Rockville, Maryland and an
adjunct faculty member at
Johns Hopkins University.
Gayl Bowser serves as the
volunteer column editor for
As I See AT. Her work focuses
on the integration of technology
into the educational programs
of students with disabilities.
Tech Options for Gaining Information
Tool Sources
Podcasts, audiobooks i Tunes
Audible.com
State public digital library consortiums
( maryland.lib.overdrive.com, www.wplc.info)
Videos YouTube.com
vimeo.com
discoveryeducation.com
pbslearningmedia.org
E-text bookshare.org
MontgomerySchoolsMD.org/departments/hiat/websites/e-text.shtm
Tech Options to Check for Student Understanding
Tool Functions Features
Glogster
edu.glogster.com
Create multimedia posters—
a dynamic alternative to
typical one-dimensional poster
displays—with this online tool.
This easily accessed, web-based
tool allows students to create
using audio, video, text, and
graphics.
Google Forms
drive.google.com
Easily set up multiple-choice and
short-answer tests or quizzes
using this free online tool. You can
use it with text-to-speech tools,
such as TextHelp’s free plug-in for
Chrome, Read&Write Google ( bit.ly/
readwriteGoogle).
Progress bars allow students to
easily gauge where they are in
the test, and teachers can easily
embed video, graphics, audio, and
custom messages.
Mindmeister
mindmeister.com
This site allows students to use
mindmaps and graphic organizers
to show how their ideas connect.
This web-based tool provides
hyperlinks to websites being used
in student research and graphics
to support student comprehension
or expression of ideas. Teachers
can also view the progression of
their work over time.
National Library of
Virtual Manipulatives
nlvm.usu.edu/en/
nav/ vlibrary.html
This site provides a range of
online math tools to support
expression of math standards.
Access base 10 blocks, pattern
blocks, and geoboards.
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