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A list of strategies that use UDL guidelines.

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Create, share, publish, and read digital books that engage and support diverse learners.

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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

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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.

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Design and assign lessons that are  differentiated to meet your learners' needs.

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udl cast teachers school "universal design for learning" education

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CAST is a nonprofit research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through Universal Design for Learning.

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Free Text to Speech

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Instructions: Click the microphone icon and begin speaking. Dictate about one sentence at a time. When the speech is recognized, it will appear in red.

If it's not right, click the "Alternatives" button to view other 'recognitions', edit the text, or just try dictating again. When the text is right, click the button with the arrow pointing down , and your text will be added to the box at the bottom.

Repeat this process until you're finished. When you're all done, click the "Copy" button and then paste the text into your document, email, blog, or tweet! (If the copy button doesn't work for you, remember that the shortcut for copying is Ctrl-C.)

Note that you can also dictate basic punctuation by saying things like "period", "question mark", "new paragraph", etc.

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TalkTyper - Speech Recognition in a Browser

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An easy to use web app that gives you free speech to text dictation in a browser.

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Notetaking support (audio notetaking)

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Create interactive lessons

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ClassFlow is committed to safeguarding students and protecting your personal data.

ClassFlow is recognized by iKeepSafe for it's compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Student Online Personal Information Protection Act (SOPIPA), and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

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Cloud-Based Lesson Delivery Software for Schools | ClassFlow

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ClassFlow is committed to safeguarding students and protecting your personal data. ClassFlow is recognized by iKeepSafe for it's compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Student Online Personal Information Protection Act (SOPIPA), and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

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Get the same new article in 3 different levels

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It's time to improve literacy skills during social studies instruction and ensure that readers of all abilities have what they need to access grade-level social studies concepts.

Join us on Thursday, December 7 for a look at scaffolded materials that provide extra literacy support while building key social studies concepts and skills.

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Newsela | Content and assessment platform

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Content Aligned To National & State Standard, Flexible To Support Relevant Curriculum. Find the Perfect Piece Of Content For Lessons. Go beyond the book.

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Turn video and presentations into interactive learning

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When choosing an online casino, you want to choose the one offering next-level service, exquisite design and the ultimate gaming experience. Here are the top unrivaled casino sites and the most loved online slots.
Players from United States Accepted:
Choosing the Best Online Casino

Finding the perfect online casino that best fits your needs can be very difficult with such an abundance of options to choose from. So we've dedicated all our efforts to sift through the mounds of online gambling sites and provide you with a selection of only the top picks. Check them out.

Here at Zaption we take special care to thoroughly review, assess, study and analyze each and every online casino platform we come across. Why? Because we know the market is saturated with online casinos, and we know that a shocking amount of those should never be visited by anyone - let alone our users. So we decided to apply the strictest criteria and weed out the unworthy platforms, leaving only the best of the best.

We pay attention to aspects like security, licensing, game choice, customer support, banking methods and promotions. All of these play a vital role in players' experience at the casino, and they have to be up to par with our high standards to make it on this site. So if there's a specific online casino you'd like to learn more about, be sure to read our detailed review of it.

How to Start Playing at an Online Casino?

Getting started at the online casino of your choice is easy and it won't be long before you can dive into the heart of the action. But if you aren't sure where to begin, here's a guide that will walk you through the simple steps to start playing your favorite casino games.

Newest Online Casinos

Top Online Slots

Online Slots are by far the most popular type of online casino game ever. And for that reason the sheer abundance of different titles that are available can make your head spin. There are slot games for every taste, every bank roll and even the most unusual preference out there. Also, due to their nature, slots offer plenty of room for variety. And software manufacturers readily take advantage of that fact by constantly coming up with new ways to surprise and intrigue players with their latest releases.

But just like with anything, not all slots are made equal. And to be frank, not all deserve a place among our ratings. So aside from considering technicalities and other aspects of every online casino, we also make sure that they have a worthwhile assortment of slot games. This means their libraries should be rich with top-notch titles from leading brands, complete with jackpot offerings, diverse genre representation and good filtering options.
Latest Published Slot Reviews with Free Play:
Live Casinos and Games - for Ultimate Gaming Authenticity

Live dealer casinos are a breed of their own and offer a wonderful opportunity to experience online gambling on a completely different level. The 'live' factor on such sites brings all the best aspect of a brick-and-mortar casino directly to your living room - or wherever you may be. You get to enjoy the luxurious look and feel of the setting, and it's almost like you are really sitting at a real table.

What's more, players also have a chance to interact with the real-life croupiers - and even with other players at the table. It's a one-of-a-kind mixture of at-home gaming and a land-based casino brought to you by the world's most skilled software developers, professional dealers and the latest say in video streaming technology.

The Most Generous Casino Bonuses

Casino bonuses come in a variety of packages and forms and they cater to different players, depending on their gaming style and status at the casino. For instance, there are casino bonuses that are specifically aimed at new players, whereas there are promotions that are only available to longstanding players.

So in order to choose the best casino bonus for you, you need to first make sure you are in fact eligible for it. And after that you can consider whether or not the bonus is of any value to you based on a set of different factors, such as the terms, the bonus amount, type, etc. Speaking of which, here are some of the most common types of online casino bonuses you may come across.

Casino Game Providers - The Minds behind the Fun

There are quite a few different software manufacturers out there providing fantastic online slot games for any taste. And all the best game providers have something that makes their titles unique and different from the rest - some recognizable hallmark.

And it's not uncommon for players to develop a liking for such hallmarks and start to therefore prefer one software developer over another. So on our site you can even find online casinos sorted by the different game providers they support. For example, some of the most prominent brands out there include names like Netent, Microgaming, Playtech and Play'n GO. As mentioned, each is unique and has something special to offer players. So whatever your preferred developer, you will be sure to find an A-list casino offering their games here.

Casino Banking Options

Casino payments directly concerns your money and you don't want to make any compromises where money is concerned. Make sure that it supports the method or methods you already use, know and trust. In addition to that, check to see if those same methods are also available for withdrawals, because that's not always the case.

This is crucial not only for your own comfort. Most online casinos have a strict same deposit and withdrawal method policy. This means that they will only approve your withdrawal request if it is via the same method you used to deposit at the casino. And then other things to take into account include the minimum and maximum limits of your desired banking methods, any potential fees, as well as processing times.
Casino Payment methods average withdrawal times:
Deposit: ✔ Withdraw: ✔

Withdrawal Time: 3-7 business days

Deposit: ✔ Withdraw: ✔

Withdrawal Time: 3-7 business days

Deposit: ✔ Withdraw: ✔

Withdrawal Time: 1 business day

Mobile Casinos - Play Wherever You Go

With the demand for mobile gambling reaching unprecedented heights, more and more online casinos have set mobile optimization as a top priority. And we have a sharp eye on the lookout for any issues or discrepancies between the desktop and mobile versions of the many different sites out there.

As far as mobile casinos go, our main concern is that they be able to offer the same high quality gaming experience across all devices and all operating systems. Players shouldn't have to compromise on graphics, game selection, loading speed or anything at all if they choose to enjoy their online gambling sessions on the go. So, here you will find the casinos that can deliver the most seamless and smooth experience on all of your gadgets, whether it be in an app or via web browser.

Play Real Games for Real Money

All online casinos are real money casinos, meaning that you can deposit, win and withdraw actual cash on these platforms. Hence, the games you will find on these sites are available for real money play.

With that in mind, though, note that many games also have demo mode or free play mode. This means that you have the option to try them out without necessarily having to invest any of your own funds in them. This is a great opportunity to get to know an unfamiliar title, for example, in a very safe way. And if you enjoy it, then you can decide to play with real money for the chance to win some genuine cash.

Best Online Casinos for June
Players from United States Accepted:
Our Chief Editor's Top Pick

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When choosing an online casino, you want to choose the one offering next-level service, exquisite design and the ultimate gaming experience. Here are the top unrivaled casino sites and the most loved online slots. Players from United States Accepted: Finding the perfect online casino that best fits your needs can be very difficult with such an abundance of options to choose from.

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Digital Resources for Learning Environments

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Digital Resources for Learning Environments

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Interested in designing your learning environment to be more flexible and accessible? Here are some great resources to help you get started. The videos and articles contain practical tips that in many cases can be implemented immediately. Have fun!

Videos and Quick Articles

In his interview about inclusive learning environments, Dr. Jon Mundorf suggested that teachers move away from thinking about what a classroom should look like to what it could look like. This video includes some pretty awesome flexible learning environment ideas that move away from traditional notions of classroom spaces.

Gallaudet University, "the world's only university designed to be barrier-free for deaf and hard of hearing students," is home to some incredible learning space design. Check out images of their campus with descriptions of the purposeful design elements used to reduce barriers to learning.

How do we teach students to collaborate in their learning spaces? This video from The Teaching Channel offers some tips for facilitating student collaboration. Simple changes can go a long way toward encouraging collaboration. For example, painting a large table or a wall with dry erase paint creates an instant reusable space for collaborative brainstorming.

A great way to help students take ownership over their learning is to involve them in the classroom design. There is no need to have the classroom completely set up prior to the first day of school, before student needs are evident. We are Teachers offers some great tips for having students design the learning environment. Providing a variety of seating options and allowing students to choose their seats is another way to increase ownership.

The classroom space is ultimately about learning, so it is helpful to have a variety of easily accessible learning resources available to students at all times. Examples include dictionaries, word walls with definitions, graphic organizer models, manipulatives, and strategies to access help when needed. Students should know where each resource is located and be permitted to independently access a resource whenever needed. This post has some tips for storing and organizing learning materials.

Classroom Ideas Crowdsourcing

Still looking for more inspiration? One advantage of digital media is the ability to crowdsource ideas and resources. This Padlet was created in order to share student-centered classroom ideas. You can use it to peruse what other teachers have done with their classroom spaces and can upload your own classroom images to share. ( note: all posts are subject to moderation and will not appear automatically.)

Trying to figure out what materials you'd like to purchase for your inclusive and student-centered classroom? Teachers around the country have posted to our UDL Materials Padlet to share their favorite classroom materials or their dream purchases. Feel free to post your own favorites. ( note: all posts are subject to moderation and will not appear automatically.)

We hope these resources will aid you in considering learning environments as flexible spaces that can change to meet needs at any point in the school year. Keep up the wonderful work!

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Learning Environment Digital Resource Round-Up

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Interested in designing your learning environment to be more flexible and accessible? Here are some great resources to help you get started. The videos and articles contain practical tips that in many cases can be implemented immediately. Have fun!

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Last week we got a glimpse into the collaborative, analysis-rich classroom that David Olio has created. After seeing a classroom like David's where students work so well together, I always wonder how students got there. In these short videos, we unpack some of the strategies and routines that David has created to facilitate the collaborative learning environment that we see in his videos.
Tribes: Agreements for Learning Together
David explains how he uses the Tribes Learning Communitiesapproach to create a positive learning environment. Tribes are based upon four agreements: attentive listening, show appreciation/no putdowns, right to pass/right to participate, and mutual respect. David shares how these strategies can help to engage students socially, intellectually, and emotionally.
Desk Arrangement: Four Corners
The physical set-up of a classroom can either encourage or discourage collaboration. In this video, David shares how he arranges desks to facilitate collaboration among students. By using a "four corners" arrangement, David helps students to make eye contact and increase interaction through their physical positions.
Encouraging Appreciation
In all of David's videos, it's clear that he deeply enjoys his students. In this video, we see how David encourages his students to appreciate each other. David explains how he has students write appreciations for each other on note cards at the end of class. By focusing on appreciation, students are more likely to engage in effective collaboration.
Collaboration vs. Cooperative Learning
In this video, David gives us more insight into how he creates a collaborative learning environment. He points out the main differences between collaboration and cooperative learning, particularly stressing that collaboration requires students to develop their own ideas and doesn't work towards consensus.
Watch More From This Series Case Study of a Teacher: Engaging Students in Text Analysis (Part 1)Video Playlist: Collaborating to Plan Common Core Lessons for ELLs

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Case Study of a Teacher: Collaborative Learning Environment (Part 2)

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Last week we got a glimpse into the collaborative, analysis-rich classroom that David Olio has created. After seeing a classroom like David's where students work so well together, I always wonder how students got there. In these short videos, we unpack some of the strategies and routines that David has created to facilitate the collaborative learning environment that we see in his videos.

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Make a video in minutes!

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This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Videos are becoming such important tools for teachers, but one thing that stops many of us from using videos is making them: With all the other things we have to do, there's very little time to find the right video creation tool, learn how to use it, then actually create the videos.

If you want to get started quickly, or if you've already been creating videos but are ready for something new, mysimpleshow may be the perfect tool for you. In just a few minutes, you can create a student-friendly, HD-quality video that explains any concept you can imagine, then publish it right away, and it's totally free.

Before I show you how it works, here's a sample of a finished mysimpleshow video:

Mysimpleshow works a little differently from other video-creation tools. Having made my own videos with GoAnimate and Powtoon, as well as working from scratch with PowerPoint and Camtasia Studio, I found the process in mysimpleshow to be the fastest and simplest I have seen.

Step 1: Writing the Script or Importing Your PowerPoint

Once you start creating your video, you'll have two options. You can either write a script from scratch or import a PowerPoint file.

Script-from-Scratch Method
First, you write out your whole script. To help you, mysimpleshow asks what kind of video you want to make. They do this because the platform has a nice library of storylines, templates that include the key components of specific video types that can help you put your ideas together:

I chose the storyline called "Introduce a Physical Law" and got this template (below), which walked me through the steps of creating a video that effectively teaches this kind of content.

On the left are text boxes, where I will type out my script-mysimpleshow provides suggestions for the kind of content that would work best. On the right are two pre-written example texts that help me figure out how to put my ideas into words. Both of these tools are a big help, and it's a nice touch coming from a company that has produced tons of explainer videos-they know what works!

If none of the storylines in the library are a good fit, you can always start from a blank storyline and write your script without assistance.

PowerPoint Import Method
If you decide to import a PowerPoint, the process is even quicker. Once it is uploaded, mysimpleshow extracts the most relevant text for you and creates a script from it, so you don't have to choose a storyline template or write your own script from scratch. Of course, you can still polish your text once it is imported. Watch how this feature workshere.

Step 2: Image Selection

When your script is done, the magic kicks in: Mysimpleshow reads your script, picks out key words, and finds images to go with them. But you're absolutely not tied to their suggestions. You have plenty of options to make sure the finished product turns out exactly the way you want.

The images chosen by mysimpleshow can be replaced with others from the library. For example, if you use the word "house," mysimpleshow will select one image of a house for you, but you can also browse others and replace the one in your video with something different.

If mysimpleshow has selected an image that doesn't quite represent what you were looking for, you can use the built-in search field to plug in another term. I started a video about carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and they gave me a picture of a heavy-set person for "fats," so I just went into the search field, typed "butter," and got an image that was a better representation of what I was looking for.

You can upload your own images. This is a great option if you want to show students something very specific. In the storyline below, I uploaded two images to represent the kinds of erosion features I wanted to illustrate.

You can also type in text to stand in the place of or accompany an image.

The script is to the left, what will show on the video is to the right. Blue words are assigned to the images (or text) on the right; the images appear when those words are spoken by the narrator. Words bolded in black are other key words mysimpleshow thinks might also need images; I can add images for them or I can highlight other words that I want to assign images to.

When you have made your final selections of images, you can rearrange them on the screen, resize them, flip them, and even put a Polaroid-style frame around them.

Step 3: Publishing

After your video is put together the way you want, you select a computer-generated voice* to narrate your video or upload a recording of your own voice doing the narration. Click "Finalize," and in a few minutes you have a video ready to use.

The finished product will have audio narration along with some light background music, and your images will be timed exactly to the script, brought onto the screen by a pair of hands. In between slides, the hands will come back on to sweep everything away and clear the screen for the next slide.

Your finished videos will be stored in your own library right on mysimpleshow, so you can access them any time you need to. You have several options for sharing your video with students: You can download the MP4 file, which can then be placed on your class website, on a blended learning platform like EdPuzzle, or on a cloud-based system like Google Drive. Or you can upload it straight to your video-sharing platform of choice: YouTube, Vimeo, or Wistia.

Teacher-created videos offer so many ways to improve learning and make your classroom run more efficiently.

Teach chunks of content for flipped learning, to introduce a unit, to use when you have a substitute teacher, or to differentiate instruction.

Create tutorials for common classroom procedures. Why teach the same processes over and over again? Make the videos once, share them with students, and make sure they can find them later if they need a refresher.

Create an introductory video to share with parents. This is a great way to show parents who you are and what they can expect from you for the year.

Have students create their own videos. Mysimpleshow videos would make awesome end-of-unit projects, book reviews, or Genius Hour presentations.

Mysimpleshow is a free web-based platform, so anyone with an Internet connection can get started right away. Now that time and cost are no longer an issue, what's stopping you? Head over to mysimpleshow right now and give it a try! ♦

*Update, February 2020: This month, mysimpleshow optimized the Visualize Phase so it became faster, more intuitive and much easier to use. Using powerful imagery allows the explainer videos to convey stronger messages. You can learn about the improvement here.

* Update, January 2018: This month, mysimpleshow launched a FREE "Classroom" plan. This account option is available to anyone who has an education background (teachers, students, education institutions). The plan comes with a default of up to 50 team members and allows for collaborative video making and full creative freedom. To sign up for this free classroom option, you just need to go to mysimpleshow.com/pricing/#education. You can also watch this video for more information.

Learn something new every week.
Join my mailing list and get weekly tips, tools, and inspiration-in quick, bite-sized packages-all geared toward making your teaching more effective and fun. You'll also get access to my members-only library of free downloadable resources, including my e-booklet, 20 Ways to Cut Your Grading Time in Half, which has helped thousands of teachers spend less time grading!

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Create Videos in Minutes with Mysimpleshow

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This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Videos are becoming such important tools for teachers, but one thing that stops many of us from using videos is making them: With all the other things we have to do, there's very little time to find the right video creation tool, learn how to use it, then actually create the videos.

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Regular desks and standing desks made by adding bed risers. (Example from Baltimore City School!)