Inspiration

This week I created a concept map for an article read in class about Universal Design for Learning.  Overall, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) revolves around the flexility of digital media, and its versatility, transformability and capacity to be marked or networked.  In the age of technology, students must be taught how to learn using individualized curriculum methods, materials and assessment.  The ability to address diverse needs in the classroom makes learning accessible to all students.  The following are three important principles of UDL:

• To support strategic learning, provide multiple, flexible methods of expression and apprenticeship.
• To support affective learning, provide multiple, flexible options for engagement.
• To support recognition learning, provide multiple, flexible methods of presentation.

Using UDL, teachers can strive towards increased learning opportunities for all students as well as reducing the barriers of printed text.  In order to display this information in a more visual, organized manner, I used Inspiration software to first create an outline of the article, then create a concept map of the information.  Here is my finished product: 



At first, I found it difficult to transform my outlined information into a map, as the boxes were put together in random order.  However, with time, I was able to tease out which pieces needed to be linked together (via arrows) and reorganize the information in a more user-friendly and easily understood manner.  I then adjusted the colors, box sizes and shapes, and line thickness to increase the aesthetic properties of my concept map.  Overall, I am happy with the completed product and am glad to have learned a new program that my students may be able to use in the classroom.