Participate Online: National Consortium on UDL: Initiatives: Theory & Research: Universal Design for Learning: CAST

Participate Online

Affiliate Partners are a virtual community of educators, schools, and other professionals who are committed in learning about UDL and to sharing ideas and suggestions with other professionals. Sign up to become a member online!

It is our belief that Affiliate Partners are a source of valuable experiences, insights and resources that should be shared to understand how we can best serve the learning needs of all learners. Below are 5 topics that have been selected to encourage Affiliate Partners to share thoughts. Each topic has a link to an article followed by a link to a forum topic where you can add your impressions and experiences.

Please browse the CAST Web site and feel free to initiate new discussions. It is possible to start a new topic on virtually any page of the CAST Web site. You can also visit the collection of ongoing discussions: CAST Forums.

1. Improving Learning Oppurtunities For All Students

Article:

Looking into a crystal ball to 2006, we learn about the possibilities for individuals with disabilities. The tools and the classroom environments foster varied and numerous learning opportunities. Click on http://www.cast.org/ncac/index.cfm?i=1561 to see what the future holds.

Join a Forum:

Improving Learning: Take a moment to think about how the future can change what you do today:
http://www.cast.org/udl/index.cfm?i=1340&v=c&conf_id=362&topic_id=966

2. Software and Computers Scaffolding Learning

Article:

Scaffolding is defined as providing necessary support to enable a learner to reach his or her potential. Read how technology scaffolds reading, organization, and writing:
http://www.cast.org/udl/index.cfm?i=117

Join a Forum:

Software and Computers Scaffold Learning: Tell us what other "scaffolds" have helped your students:
http://www.cast.org/udl/index.cfm?i=1340&v=c&conf_id=361&topic_id=967

3. Meet Mason, A Student Success Story

Article:

Mason was classified as a "gifted" student, so why was he failing math? When his parents met with his third-grade teacher to review his tests, they discovered something unusual. Learn how Mason faced the challenges of having a severe learning disability, ultimately attending and gradating from college. Meet Mason:
http://www.cast.org/udl/index.cfm?i=960

Join a Forum:

Meet Mason, A Student Success Story: Have you met a "Mason" in your profession? Let us know about your student's story:
http://www.cast.org/udl/index.cfm?i=1340&v=c&conf_id=361&topic_id=968

4. Scaffolding Young Readers

Article:

Young readers benefit from varied scaffolds and supports while developing the skill of reading. Technology provides an alternative for motivating and engaging the young reader. Link to http://www.cast.org/udl/index.cfm?i=58 to learn more about software that is beneficial to the young reader.

Join a Forum:

Scaffolding Young Readers: What software programs and/or Internet resources have you used with your young students to help them read? Share your "hit" list and your techniques for using these programs:
http://www.cast.org/udl/index.cfm?i=1340&v=c&conf_id=361&topic_id=969

5. Apprenticeship: An Approach to Scaffolding

Article:

Apprenticeship is ubiquitous across cultures. Learners need to benefit from what we know about apprenticeship models of learning. Find out how the five basic steps of apprenticeship can be applied to learning:
http://www.cast.org/udl/index.cfm?i=153

Join a Forum:

Apprenticeship: An Approach to Scaffolding: Think about classroom goals that can be influenced by the apprenticeship model; share your thoughts with us:
http://www.cast.org/udl/index.cfm?i=1340&v=c&conf_id=361&topic_id=970

Page updated December 18, 2001