Universal design for education aims to provide appropriate instruction for all learners. When teachers follow universal design principles, it can make planning easier and the final product more effective for all students. This presentation will discuss web resources, new technologies, and activities that can enhance universal design principles. It will provide examples of software like Kurzweil Reading Software, text-to-speech tools, and communication tools like blogs and instant messengers that can help make material accessible to more students. Web links are also included for further information on these technological resources.

1. Can Technology Enhance
Universal Design for Students
Marilyn Mathis
(University of South Carolina)
EDET 735

2. Abstract
Universal design for education tries to provide
appropriate instructional opportunities for all
learners. When teachers follow the principles of
universal design for education it can help make
the planning process easier and the final product
more efficient and effective for all participants.
This presentation will present web resources, new
technology and activities that will enhance the
principles of Universal Design.
Mathis

3. Student Diversity
Student diversity is a very important component of
the education setting. Universal design minimizes the
need for individual accommodations and strives to
include all learners. Instruction is planned by
accounting for the active participation of learners who
are culturally and physically diverse.
Mathis

4. Presenting Material
When presenting material it is very important that it be
presented in a variety of ways such as spoken text or printed text
and pictures such as illustrations, photos, animation, or video
that are intended to promote learning. Most of the time material
is not presented in the actual classroom but offered at a
distance. Therefore, material is presented on CD’s, TV, videos,
charts, graphs, computer software and websites.
Mathis

5. Kurzweil Reading Software

6. Text-To-Speech Software

7. Read Naturally

8. Dictionary Resources

9. Ways of Communication

10. Blogs

11. Twitter

12. Instant Messenger

13. Tools That Enhance Learning
These are a few of the tools that may be used to
enhance Universal Design for learners. Their
websites may be found on the following pages.

14. Technological Resources
 http://www.kurzweiledu.com/
 http://readplease.com/
 http://www.readnaturally.com/
 http://dictionary.reference.com/
 http://www.oovoo.com/
 https://twitter.com/
 http://dashboard.aim.com/aim
Mathis