# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Wikispaces was founded in 2005 and has since been used by educators, companies and individuals across the globe.

Unfortunately, the time has come where we have had to make the difficult business decision to end the Wikispaces service.

We first announced the site closure in January 2018, through a site-wide banner that appeared to all logged-in users and needed to be clicked on to dismiss

During the closure period a range of banners were shown to users, including a countdown banner in the final month. Additionally, the home page of Wikispaces.com became a blog, detailing the reasons for the closure. Private Label Site Administrators were contacted separately regarding the closure

Wikispaces Tier

Closedown Date

Classroom and Free Wikis end of service

31st July 2018

Plus and Super Wikis end of service

30th September 2018

Private Label Wikis end of service

31st January 2019

Why has Wikispaces closed?
Approximately 18 months ago, we completed a technical review of the infrastructure and software we used to serve Wikispaces users. As part of the review, it became apparent that the required investment to bring the infrastructure and code in line with modern standards was very substantial. We explored all possible options for keeping Wikispaces running but had to conclude that it was no longer viable to continue to run the service in the long term. So, sadly, we had to close the site - but we have been touched by the messages from users all over the world who began creating wikis with it and now running them on new platforms.

The Wikispaces team

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Wikispaces was founded in 2005 and has since been used by educators, companies and individuals across the globe. Unfortunately, the time has come where we have had to make the difficult business decision to end the Wikispaces service.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This descriptive study examined focus group data gathered to address two questions: First, do data from focus groups affirm and expand our understanding of writing and writing development among middle school students? And second, do data from focus groups provide information helpful to the use of digital technology for enhancing writing instruction, production, and engagement?

# data[].attributes.headline
UDL Tools, Resources, Strategies- Goal Book

# data[].attributes.subject
UDL Tools, Resources, Strategies- Goal Book

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Developing logical thinking and reasoning skills for all learners proves essential for mastering algebra and mathematics in general. Yet, students of all backgrounds face significant barriers. Teaching algebraic reasoning skills in a non math-specific context provides an effective way to help students overcome barriers to learning.

In the case of iSolveIt, CAST designed a mobile digital learning environment where learners accessed a collection of tablet-based puzzles strategically designed using the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). We utilized puzzles because they offer greater flexibility in terms of entry points and pathways, as well as key supports and scaffolds that can be integrated into the learning experience. These apps included well-known puzzle types - KenKen and Balance puzzles - but included numerous supports not present in most implementations of these puzzles, such as scratch areas to test out possible solutions, pop-up hints to explain the puzzle notation, and an interface that can be read aloud with VoiceOver.

The National Council of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards and the Common Core Practice Standards note the importance of reasoning in all aspects of mathematics. Algebra particularly requires the ability to recognize patterns and relationships to solve problems.

CAST developed iSolveIt in 2013 with support from the Oak Foundation, the Intel Foundation, Eastern Bank, and the Cabot Family Charitable Trust. Programming, including product development and creative design was led by FNX Studios, a software consulting firm in Bellevue, WA. The Boston Arts Academy, the Edison K-8 School (Boston, MA), Tyngsborough Middle School (MA), and the Fayerweather Street School in Cambridge, MA, all piloted the puzzles in their curricula.

Because iSolveIt puzzles were non curriculum-specific or math-dependent, they could be used at different grade levels as part of a year-long curriculum. The puzzles focused on aspects of reasoning important in algebra, such as finding patterns or functions, creating models, working with variables, and making predictions. By teaching algebraic reasoning skills in a context that does not appear to be math-specific, the puzzles addressed affective barriers to learning (e.g., math anxiety).

iSolveIt incorporated UDL principles by giving learners multiple ways to solve the puzzles. Many puzzles featured more than one solution, allowing for greater flexibility in thinking while trying out different strategies. Additionally, providing different types of puzzles offers practice across multiple representations, which proves critical for developing the ability to generalize. Students could work through puzzles individually at their own pace or in groups and demonstrate key learnings via multiple methods of action and expression.

The apps are no longer available for download due to incompatibility with current iOS versions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teaching algebraic reasoning skills in a non math-specific context helps students overcome barriers to learning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Because of their flexibility and malleability, digital technologies - especially web-based tools - dramatically expand options for providing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) supports as compared with exclusively print-based media.

Created in partnership with the Google Literacy Project and Carnegie Corporation of New York to celebrate World Book Day in 2008, CAST launched UDL Editions of classic public domain texts, including a short story, sonnet, speech, and more, from world literature to demonstrate the power of technology to transform texts in a way that responds to the needs of all kinds of learners.

UDL Editions brought seven classic texts into a scaffolded digital reading environment with flexible supports for three facets of learning: understanding content, building skills, and having fun. Six of the texts could be viewed in English, and one in Spanish.

The tool reached a target audience of users 10 years of age or older. To incorporate UDL, readers chose their text and level of support desired: minimal, moderate, or maximum, and accessed multimedia resources for background information and enrichment activities for further learning.

Supports included:

Glossary words

In-context explanations of idioms and literary devices

Stop-and-think prompts

Animated coaches providing hints and support

Image descriptions

"Build-your-own" activities to understand the authors' craft

Interactive maps

Teacher resources

In addition, a toolbar contributed by Texthelp offered:

Text-to-speech read-aloud

Dictionary and encyclopedia links

Highlight-and-gather

Translations between English and Spanish

Varied literature was selected to show how a UDL-supported and scaffolded environment can support content across the curriculum and across grade levels. With powerful new technologies and UDL principles, old classics became smart, reader-friendly texts that opened up a new world of reading to learners with diverse abilities, interests, and skills.

UDL Editions and other literacy research project work conducted by CAST informed the development of UDL Studio, which guides and supports educators to build their own UDL-supported materials.

For more information about UDL Editions, contact Kristin Robinson.

UDL Editions in Research

Universal Design for Learning in the Classroom: Practical Applications, published in 2012, uses UDL Editions as a case study to discuss how the principles of UDL apply to reading comprehension, teaching, and learning in Chapter 3: Reading Strategy Instruction, Universal Design for Learning, and Digital Texts: Examples of an Integrated Approach.

In particular, it addresses the what, how, and why of reading:

What: What are the words on the page/screen, and what do they mean?

How: How does the reader make sense of the text?

Why: Why should the reader care about the text?

Learn more & order the book

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Publicized by Google around the world, UDL Editions was a model for presenting classic texts from world literature in a flexible online interface with just-in-time, individualized supports for struggling and expert readers alike.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
CAST's UDL Curriculum Self-Check makes use of both Javascript and cookies for various features.

In order to login and use the UDL Curriculum Self-Check please enable both Javascript and cookies within your Internet browser.

Welcome to the CAST Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Curriculum Self-Check

Use this site to help you apply UDL principles in your teaching to reach and engage all of your students. The goal of UDL is to enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for learning. Learn about UDL, Check Your Curriculum, or Explore Resources for ideas on how to build options and flexibility into each element of your curriculum.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
CAST's UDL Curriculum Self-Check makes use of both Javascript and cookies for various features. In order to login and use the UDL Curriculum Self-Check please enable both Javascript and cookies within your Internet browser. Welcome to the CAST Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Curriculum Self-Check Use this site to help you apply UDL principles in your teaching to reach and engage all of your students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Science Writer is a free web-based instructional tool that supports students through the process of writing a science report with organizational supports, explicit strategy instruction and scaffolds.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The UDL Curriculum Toolkit supports the creation of flexible, customizable educational materials that allow all learners to progress to their full potential. Use the UDL Toolkit to enhance your existing curriculum or to build a web-based unit from scratch.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
PreK-12: Instructor-Led Course

In this introductory online course for preK-12 educators, participants learn the research basis for UDL, practical applications of UDL to lesson design, and helpful technology tools that support flexible, inclusive instruction.

Monday, September 11 - Monday, December 11, 2023

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out more about CAST. We're busting barriers to learning, until learning has no limits®.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
CAST is a multifaceted organization with a singular ambition: Bust the barriers to learning that millions of people experience every day. We do this by helping educators and organizations apply insights from the learning sciences and leading-edge practices to educational design and implementation.

Learn about our mission and vision

UDL-Con: International

This year, for the first time, CAST's Annual Symposium and the UDL-IRN Summit are joining forces to create the world's largest International UDL Convention.

Learn More

The UDL Awards 2024

In honor of our 40th Anniversary, CAST proudly presents the inaugural Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Awards, recognizing exemplary leaders and distinctive contributions that drive innovation and inclusivity in education.

Learn More

Learning on the Go: ADA Title II Updates and Requirements

In April 2024, the United States Department of Justice issued a final rule requiring state and local governmental entities - including early childhood, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions - to ensure web- or mobile app-based digital learning resources are appropriate for and usable by students with disabilities.

Read the blog post

Upcoming Learning Events

Search all learning events

Postsecondary & CTE: Instructor-Led Course

Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn can make the postsecondary teaching and learning experience better for everyone. At the core of the UDL framework is the belief that learners are variable - what works for one learner will not work for the entire class. CAST's Postsecondary and Workforce Development division offers a hybrid course to prepare higher education faculty, instructional designers, and administrators to apply the Universal Design for Learning framework in their courses and programs. The course content includes strategies to revamp learning goals, materials, technologies, methods, and assessments to remove barriers to learning for students. Creating and procuring accessible educational materials and technologies is emphasized as a critical aspect of UDL implementation. Upon course completion participants are eligible to submit a portfolio to receive the Postsecondary UDL credential.

Tuesday, September 10 - Friday, November 1, 2024

PreK-12: Instructor-Led Course

In this introductory online course for preK-12 educators, participants learn the research basis for UDL, practical applications of UDL to lesson design, and helpful technology tools that support flexible, inclusive instruction.

Wednesday, September 11 - Monday, December 16, 2024

PreK-12: Live Virtual Class

Learn the core concepts and foundations of UDL, practical applications of UDL to lesson design, and how to support flexible, inclusive instruction.

Thursday, September 26 - Friday, September 27, 2024

Stories From Our Work

Learn more about our impact

News from CAST

Visit our Newsroom

Top of Page

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out more about CAST. We're busting barriers to learning, until learning has no limits®.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is CAST UDL Exchange?

It is a place to browse and build resources, lessons and collections. You can use and share these materials to support instruction guided by the UDL principles.

UDL Exchange includes

UDL Resources

Materials such as websites, documents, images, presentations, audio, video, etc. that support implementation of UDL.

UDL Lessons

Lesson plans that address the variability of all learners through the application of UDL.

UDL Collections

Sets of resources/lessons organized around a theme to support UDL practices.

UDL Exchange Tools

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It is a place to browse and build resources, lessons and collections. You can use and share these materials to support instruction guided by the UDL principles. Materials such as websites, documents, images, presentations, audio, video, etc. that support implementation of UDL. Lesson plans that address the variability of all learners through the application of UDL.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
CAST: About Universal Design for Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Universal design for learning (UDL) is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. Watch the video below to get an overview of UDL.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Message to our Loyal Users of CAST UDL Book Builder, UDL Exchange, and UDL Studio

On January 15, 2024, we will retire this website, along with a few others. We know it has many devoted followers who will be sad to see it go. We're sad, too.

Making these creative tools and offering them free-of-charge to educators, parents, and learners at no charge the past decade-plus has been our joy, we also know that usage is way down, funding for the tools ran out years ago, and their underlying technologies are no longer contemporary.

To ensure a smooth transition, we're providing a three-month sunset period so you have sufficient time to download any stored materials you may have on the sites and to find alternative tools. After January 15, we will also close all user accounts.

Thank you again for your understanding and be sure to visit www.cast.org to learn more about the exciting innovations we are pursuing today and tomorrow! Questions: questions@cast.org

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Message to our Loyal Users of CAST UDL Book Builder, UDL Exchange, and UDL Studio On January 15, 2024, we will retire this website, along with a few others. We know it has many devoted followers who will be sad to see it go. We're sad, too.

# data[].attributes.body
the GIST