Blog Post # 5B

I found the concept of of Universal Design for Learning, while valuable for all students, particularly applicable to students of special ed who require highly individualized content, instructional presentation and technical accomodations. The inclusion of enhancing student engagement as a foundation principle was particularly notable to me since my classes have stressed the struggles and failures special ed students may have repeatedly experienced, resulting in low self esteem and a reluctance to engage in learning. I also found it interesting that the principles and elaborations within the UDL/digital media article point to using these tools in supporting student weaknesses to reduce or eliminate barriers to learning, while at the same time challenging student strengths to assist them in moving to new levels.