
This reading on Universal Design for Learning points out that UDL is, first and foremost, a mindset, a way to approach education in order that it may be accessible and effective for all children, including those with various types of disabilities. Because the principles and recommendations of UDL are founded upon research about how the brain learns, the implementation of UDL techniques will very likely improve the effectiveness of teaching for all students. For example, using strategies that support various representations of data addresses the different ways that all students may learn - visually, auditorially, kinesthetically - which may, incidentally, improve learning for students without disabilities as well.
Inspiration, itself, is an example of a technology which can help students organize their thoughts in an outline manner, and may be more effective for some students than the traditional 5-paragraph essay pillar, because it is more visually oriented. Both of my children have used Inspiration in the classroom and give it high marks for ease of use and "fun factor." I found Inspiration very user-friendly. It was easy to grasp the basics and get quickly underway - not a big learning curve. This is important, as we have been hearing from the many teachers in our class. When tech support is scarce, software that is easy to learn and teach is surely beneficial.
As I was getting my feet wet with my first Inspiration concept map, I was simultaneously brainstorming ways to use this software in the World Languages content area. I think it could be effectively used to demonstrate comprehension of a piece of fiction in another language. My son has repeatedly had to produce something called a "story web," in language arts, which is essentially a concept map of a fictional story, showing such literary aspects as setting, characters, and plot. This could definitely work in other languages as well. Alternatively, Inspiration could be used to aid in comprehension of vocabulary relating to family relationships (aunt, grandmother, son, etc.) by using it to create family trees.
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