Chapter Four: UDL

This chapter was a good review of the networks and brain research discussed in previous chapters. I think that it is important for educators to have a good understanding of the ideas and research underlying UDL principles. Many times, educational programs are implemented without any knowledge of why or how the program came into existence. The beginning of UDL is well documented as an architectural innovation. The architectural innovations improve many facets of life including education. UDL is intent upon building particular qualities in learners including: recognizing essential cues and patterns, mastering skillful strategies for action, and engaging with learning. Furthermore, UDL provides a wide variety of learning opportunities and flexibility in order to address the different learning modalities. It would be very difficult, if not impossible, for a classroom teacher to implement the fundamentals of the UDL approach without incorporating digital media. Digital media provides a wide variety of instructional programs which can be modified and adapted to accommodate a diverse group of learners.