I have not had ANY professional development/learning experiences about Universal Design for Learning outside of the work that we are doing for this class. EEK! That seems ridiculous. While many of the components are likely already in place for veteran teachers, we can all benefit from continued reflection and improve in some areas. I wonder how many other educators would say that they have not spent time thinking, discussing, and reflecting about UDL. Teachers need quality professional development opportunities!

It makes me wonder if this been problematic for other professions as well and how has that community been able to better serve its students.

This reminds me of the Responsive Classroom book, Classroom Spaces That Work. It gives ideas about how to create a display, seating, etc... A good resource, especially for new teachers. https://www.amazon.com/Classroom-Spaces-That-Marlynn-Clayton/dp/1892989050

I notice students learn best when they are creating a personally meaningful artifact. It's important to give students a menu of options with different types of artifacts to create as a starting place. I try to include a balance between digital tools and low tech options.

This article was a good starting place to help me think deeper about internet privacy with students. Other parents taking pictures at a field trip, band performance, etc... and sharing them online can be problematic. https://www.edutopia.org/online-school-security-privacy

Even when the assistive technology is accessible it can still sometimes take extensive coaching and practice in order to use effectively. Last year a student of mine began working with eye gaze technology. This technology enabled the computer to know where the student was looking. It was tiring (for teachers too when they gave it a go) and took months to master. When presented with the need for assistive technology I have experienced different barriers including cost to purchase, training, and how/who to manage the equipment. Teachers and paraprofessionals are good at coming up with no-tech and low-tech solutions when needed!

Establishing an online identity promotes increased engagement for all. It creates a low risk situation for the student to showcase their learning. Confidence and motivation are increased. If there is a mistake it can be their online persona that made the error, not the real life version of themselves.

This is one of my go to sites for articles about teaching and learning. Lots of links within those articles that lead to anything from Bitmoji Classrooms to Project Based Learning resources.