The overview of the Universal Design for Learning, highlighted the basic principles of the UDL philosophy and core understandings.  Of these I find that the idea that each and every student in a classroom is unique to be the most important.  As classrooms become more diverse and as educators learn new methodologies and more about the intricacies of learning, the belief that each of our students are individuals should and will be at the forefront of education.  Old approaches simply no longer work.  Educators are not willing to accept that students have to bend their learning to our practices.  We see and place value in the diversity of thinking and learning.  As educators we have to understand and believe that all students know and all students want to know.  It is the challenge that we accept when we take on the responsibility of teaching to constantly improve and reflect upon our teaching.  

The Future is in the Margins proposes that classrooms and teaching as we know it today is on the precipice of a major shift in thinking.  As new technology is developed and introduced into our classrooms, there will be new opportunities for students to gain access to content and to practice skills.  This technology is not meant to make teaching easier, but to create new entry points for students.  To increase their engagement and understanding.  I found it particularly exciting when Rose and Meyer stated that 'the capacity of multiple media and new technology means that there will be a more diverse and flexible palette for communication' (page 3).  In this sense, we are creating an opportunity and mindset that explores how to create and develop classrooms and settings in which all learners ultimately benefit by creating a richer menu of means to represent information, allow for students to express their understanding, and create new methods for students to become and continue to be excited and enthusiastic about learning.  I fully support the move towards Universal Design Learning in that I subscribe to the belief that we have to push ourselves as educators to discover and convey these means to students.  Through this, we will encourage collaboration and conscious learning in ways that have yet to be seen in actuality.