Using Computers on My Journey...

      Using UDL in the classroom is a valuable resource to accommodate to meet all student needs. Now that assisted technology is becoming used more often, computers are now being modified to help accommodate student needs.

      Students with fine motor control disabilities, limited range of motion, and visual impairments with tracking are now able to use the keyboard instead of using a mouse. “The first guideline for the principle of flexibility encourages designers to make products that provides choice in methods of use” (Dell, 164).  The only negative I have found for using such a modification is that it makes the student have to remember a large number of keyboard shortcuts.

      The second guideline for the principle of flexibility makes accommodations for both left and right-handed users.  The mouse was modified to have one button and two button to help students who may only have fine motor controls in one hand and not the other.

       The last guideline for the principle of flexibility takes into consideration students who have visual impairments, hand eye coordination problems, hand tremors, mild motor control issues, or cognitive disabilities. The modifications made to accommodate these students is to enlarge the size of the icons as well as lower the user’s pace. This will help visually for the student as well as the pace in which they use the computer.

       All of these modifications to the computer is a great way to incorporate universal design into the use of technology, so that each student’s needs are met.

 
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Reference:
Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom: enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson.