- From: Chuck Hitchcock <chitchcock@cast.org>
- Date: Thu, 29 Jul 1999 22:14:24 -0400
- To: <w3c-wai-gl@w3.org>
Anne, I would suggest caution when proposing theoretical models and strategies that have yet to be validated by research, especially within the field of Learning Disabilities. As you may know, there are many unusual and yet-to-be-validated approaches based on questionable neuroscience. It is not that I disagree with what you are suggesting, it's just that you or I can find 20 approaches for dealing with each combination of learning "differences" and under selected situations, any one may be the best approach. In general, providing multiple representations of information is a good practice, as you suggest. I am not so sure that I would relate tactile-kinesthetic with interactivity on a web page unless one is using a force feedback mouse. Providing for engagement and multiple means of control is always a good idea. Attention span and content organization are important for everyone, especially for those with learning disabilities, as you point out. Thinking of learning as primarily visual or auditory has been put on the back burner in most scientific circles. The same applies to hemispheric preferences. Current thinking about these topics arise primarily from an evaluation of brain activity or glucose burning during various learning tasks. CAST is collaboratively writing a book with a bent towards current research, new information provided by neuroscience, and implications for learning. We have been using the term "Universal Design for Learning (UDL)" for a few years now. Check out the CAST website at www.cast.org for additional background information and proposed UDL Principles. There are a few pages of theoretical background too. You may also want to look at the recent literacy development related research findings presented at the National LD Research Summit sponsored by the National Center on Learning Disabilities, the US Department of Education, and the National Institute of Health in Washington. The NIH is devoting resources to medical, scientific and educational research to move the field forward so that our work is grounded in research findings. You can review a summary of the findings at http://www.ncld.org/summit99/keys99-top.htm. I was impressed with the speakers and the findings. A few topic headings from web page follows: Keys to Successful Learning: A National Summit on Research in Learning Disabilities Executive Summaries include: The NICHD Research Program in Reading Development, Reading Disorders and Reading Instruction A Summary of Research Findings; National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, National Institutes of Health Improving Instruction for Students With Learning Disabilities: The Results of Three Research Syntheses; Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Office of Special Education Programs, Research to Practice, U.S. Department of Education Two Decades of Research in Learning Disabilities Reading Comprehension, Expressive Writing, Problem Solving, Self-Concept; National Center for Learning Disabilities See ya, Chuck *********************************** Chuck Hitchcock, Director Universal Design Lab (UDL)and Product Development, CAST, Inc., 39 Cross Street, Peabody, MA 01960 Voice 978 531-8555 TTY 978 531-3110 Fax 978 531-0192 <http://cast.org/> <http://cast.org/bobby/>
Received on Thursday, 29 July 1999 22:13:29 UTC