UDL Guidelines - Version 1.0: Examples and Resources
Checkpoint 2.1: Options that define vocabulary and symbols
udlcenter [at] cast [dot] org (Can you think of other examples/resources that illustrate this checkpoint? )udlcenter [at] cast [dot] org (Tell us! )
| Example/Resource | Description | See Also | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Visuwords
Visuwords is an online graphic dictionary and thesaurus that helps develop word knowledge. Word relationships are illustrated by the color and pattern of the link between words. Why UDL? Flexibility of color and contrast is a great example of customizing the display of information so that it is accessible to a broader range of users. Age Group: All ages |
Tool |
2.5: Options that illustrate key concepts non-linguisitcally |
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Word Generation
Word Generation is a middle school academic language program that is "strategically designed to create a coherent school-wide effort that gives students the sustained exposure to academic language they need for success in school—even while demanding relatively little (15 minutes, once a week) from any single subject area teacher." Why UDL? Embedding new vocabulary into engaging, controversial passages is an effective way to support students' vocabulary development. Age Group: Middle school |
Teaching materials, videos |
7.2: Options that enhance relevance, value, and authenticity |
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Doing What Works: Teach Vocabulary
On this Doing What Works site, understand the research-based recommendation to teach vocabulary, watch videos on how actual schools are teaching vocabulary, and find a collection of tools and ideas to help you improve your practice. Why UDL? This site provides excellent examples as to how to support vocabulary development in the classroom. Age Group: K-5 |
Informational website, videos | |
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Doing What Works: Develop Academic English
On this Doing What Works site, understand the research-based recommendation to develop academic English, watch videos on how actual schools are developing academic English, and find a collection of tools and ideas to help you develop academic English in your classroom. Don't miss the great videos! Why UDL? This site provides excellent examples as to how to support vocabulary and grammar development in the classroom. Age Group: K-5 |
Informational website, videos |
2.2: Options that clarify syntax and structure
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Mathematics Glossary
This free online glossary defines mathematical terms and concepts through text, images, and examples relating to real world applications. Why UDL? The Mathematics Glossary uses multiple means of representation to explain and reinforce concepts. Multiple exposures to vocabulary and symbols through various forms of representation increase depth of knowledge. Age Group: All ages |
Tool |
2.3 Options for decoding text or mathematical notation 2.5: Options that illustrate key concepts non-linguisitcally 7.2: Options that enhance relevance, value, and authenticity |
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Windows to the Universe
This interactive, educational website about our universe and planetary systems was created by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research and is supported by NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF) among others. Why UDL? The glossary in "Windows to the Universe" is an excellent example of providing options that define vocabulary. Embedded links to the glossary give students immediate access to definitions of unfamiliar terms. Embedded links on each page and in the glossary provide access to further knowledge. These links provide students with immediate access to relevant background information that will facilitate comprehension of a new subject.Embedded links on each page and in the glossary provide access to further knowledge. These links provide students with immediate access to relevant background information that will facilitate comprehension of a new subject.
Age Group: All ages |
Informational website including teaching materials |
Checkpoints: 2.4: Options that promote cross-linguistic understanding 3.1: Options that provide or activate background knowledge 8.2:Options that vary levels of challenge and support 9.3: Options that develop self-assessment and reflection |
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Shahi
Shahi is a visual dictionary that combines Wiktionary content that includes a definition and examples of word use in a sentence as well as images from flickr, google, and yahoo that correlate with the specified word. Why UDL? Shahi offers image cues as well as a text based definition to increase depth of vocabulary knowledge. Age Group: All ages |
Tool |
2.5: Options that illustrate key concepts non-linguisitcally |
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Wordle
"Wordle is a toy for generating 'word clouds' from text that you provide. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes." Why UDL? The word clouds created used Wordle reinforce key vocabulary and may serve as a starting point for developing vocabulary lists. Age Group: All ages |
Tool |
2.5: Options that illustrate key concepts non-linguisitcally |
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Vocab Ahead
Vocab Ahead offers videos that give an active demonstration of vocabulary with audio repeating the pronounciation, definition, various uses, and synonyms. Students can also go through flash cards which give a written definition and visual representation of the word. Why UDL? Vocab Ahead goes beyond a single text definition to increase depth of word knowledge by also supplying visual representations, models of pronunciation, and examples that show how the word is used in a real context. Age Group: Grade 5 and up |
Tool |
Checkpoints: |
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CAST's UDL Editions
"UDL Editions take advantage of the flexibility of digital media to reach and engage all learners. Leveled supports and the Texthelp Toolbar balance challenge and support for each learner, ages 10 and up. Select your book to get started!" Why UDL? The multimedia glossary embedded throughout all of the texts in UDL Editions is a great example of supporting vocabulary and symbols. Click on an underlined word, and read the definition in text, listen to the defintion through text-to-speech, and see visual depictions. Age Group: Grade 3 and up |
Teaching material |
Checkpoints: 1.3: Options that provide alternatives for visual information 2.2: Options that clarify syntax and structure More to come! |
Tell Me More! This icon will link to examples for some of the checkpoints.
Get Evidence! This icon will ink to the latest evidence & scholarly research.
