This is an exciting era in which to be an educator.  Today, we have readily available digital tools that make it possible for a far greater proportion of learners to be successful than ever before.  There are tools that can make learning materials accessible and engaging for ALL learners.  There are also digital tools that provide countless options for learners to represent what they know.  There are now digital tools to enable learners with all kinds of learning challenges to overcome barriers that until recently have barred success.

UDL Tech Tool Kit is a well organized collection of effective free digital tools that can be used to facilitate success for learners of all ages.  These resources are shared on a wiki that is maintained and updated regularly by Joyce Valenza and Karen Janowski.

My passion is to remove the obstacles to learning for all students and these free tools offer opportunities for struggling learners that promote academic success. When material is digital or electronic, it is flexible and accessible. It is our responsibility as educators to provide materials that promote success. Please encourage all educators to consider using these free tools.

I share this passion, so well expressed on the wiki, for helping to remove barriers to learning.  Ideally, these digital tools are introduced to all learners, not just those with designated “special needs”, so that those who benefit can adopt them as their own.  Engaged learners take ownership of their learning and and of the tools they use.