Pit Stop at UDL Strategic Networks...

When using UDL it is important that we understand why we need to use it within our lesson planning as teachers. Through the Universal Design for Learning website, http://www.cast.org/udl/index.html, it describes the three main strategic networks, and how you can connect them to your instruction. 

        1.)    Recognition Network

The "what" of learning

How we gather facts and categorize what we see, hear, and read. Identifying letters, words, or an author's style are recognition tasks.

•       I found this network to be important, because it shows why as teachers we need to use multiple ways of teaching the content to the students. For example, using different visuals, auditory materials, and hands on approaches

2.) Strategic Networks

The "how" of learning

Planning and performing tasks. How we organize and express our ideas. Writing an essay or solving a math problem are strategic tasks.

•  Using this network it became clearer to me that in my planning I need to use more ways of assessing my students’ knowledge of the material. For example using essays, quizzes, or hands on projects.

3.)    Affective Networks

The "why" of learning

How learners get engaged and stay motivated. How they are challenged, excited, or interested. These are affective dimensions.

•      The last network I found to be the most important. If students are not interested in the material being taught they will not be engaged as much as if they were interested in the material. Make learning fun and try to make connections to student interest.