Universal Design for Learning

 

Universal Design for Learning a.k.a. UDL

Meeting the needs of all learners can be a struggle for teachers at times. I know the question I always ask myself is, am I meeting the needs all learners and then, how do I implement those specific needs. Universal Design for Learning is something teachers implement in their instructions daily, but perhaps unaware their proactive planning falls under the umbrella of Universal Design for Learning. With the help of the UDL Guidelines Checklist and UDL Guidelines makes diverse instruction possible. 

After combing through the UDL Guidelines, I have come to find out there are some practices I already use within my instruction at this time. As I introduce a new unit or concept, I pre teach vocabulary words and use visuals to help make connections for those students who require the use of visuals. The use of graphic organizers is also present in my instruction. Since my teaching is currently 100% online I utilize the closed captions settings throughout my recorded lessons. When presenting information to my students I bold, use different fonts, and highlight keywords or key factors of the lesson. I also use sentence starts and sentence stems to assist my students and provide individualized feedback on assignments and projects.

            As I went through the UDL checklist and guidelines, I noticed there were several practices I can implement in my current instruction such as provide the option of rate of speech or sound. I become overly passionate of my content at times and have been told I speak at a rapid rate, so with this option made readily available to students, it gives them the option to slow down or speed up the rate of speech or sound. Varying demands and resources to improve challenge would be a guideline that I would need help with as I try and add it to my instruction.

Since we have been teaching virtually, I know I have been currently struggling with implementing more technology to meet the needs of my diverse learners. As I researched on ways to implement UDL in within virtual teaching I came across the following article and website:

Universal Design for Learning Application for Technology - Enhanced Learning 

 Technology and Universal Design for Learning 

   Universal Design of Learning Application for Technology – Enhanced Learning which provided great information for online teaching with UDL in mind. The article uses a college course as an example, but key takeaways are allowing students to showcase what they have learned in a variety of ways. This can be easily implemented within my class. Technology and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) explains a variety of tools for synchronous and asynchronous students, what the tool can do, ideas for use online, and how it connects to the Universal Design for Learning. Many times we are given many great tools to use, but the ever lingering question is how to use it in the class.

Resources

Morra, T., & Reynolds, J. (2010).Universal Design for Learning: Application for Technology Enhanced 

         Learning [Abstract]. ERIC, 15(1), 43-51. Retrieved November 27, 2020, from https://eric.ed.gov/?

         q=Universal+Design+of+Learning+Application+for+Technology+-    

         +Enhanced+Learning&id=EJ881564

Technology and ​Universal Design for Learning (UDL). (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2020, from  

            https://schoolvirtually.org/technology-and-udl/

Podcasts

 

When I first heard the word podcast, I really did not know what to think. I never understood what podcasts were and to be honest, I never took the time to find out what they were all about. The word was foreign to me until last year. I was asked to create my very own podcast for one of my librarian classes, and then I finally figured out what podcasts were. Thinking back, I must have literally been on another planet because I was unfamiliar with podcasts. Every once in awhile I catch myself searching for new podcasts to pass the time for the drive to work. There are so many topics I jump back and forth from education podcasts to mystery/ thrillers. I do not have a favorite just yet, but I am slowly finding my way through the many varieties.

In the world of education there are many ways podcasts can be used, whether in the classroom as students create their own podcasts to assess their knowledge on the content that is being taught or they can be used as an instructional tool to teach students. As far as podcasts in libraries, the possibilities are endless. Podcasts can be used as part of mini lessons taught by the librarian, or the students can create their own podcasts on the current and up and coming events within their library. This is a great way for students to stay informed on different topics as well as learn from them. After searching for educational podcasts I came across some great podcasts that I have now subscribed to which are, Moving at the Speed of Creativity  (click for link!) by Wesley A. Fryer  and Edsurge Podcast (click on Edsurge Podcast for link). Fryer’s platform is education and digital literacy and Edsurge mainly covers how to implement education in the classroom. I think now more than ever any extra resources we can find on implementation of technology in the classroom is important. Even without this pandemic, I think eventually technology was going to take over the education world. It was only a matter of time. I know our district is in the talks of keeping the digital learning platform in the classroom. When the pandemic is over I think we will only be stronger at facilitating learning through technology and it will become the new “norm”.

Creating our podcast with our fellow group members was really a neat assignment. I have done solo podcasts, but to experience creating a podcast with other people was fun. After agreeing on the topic, the next challenge was to see how we were going to record all three of us on one podcast. Luckily one of our members was quick to think of a three way call and record the “interview”! Our team member uploaded the file to Podbean. I would have chosen the same platform because it is simple to use and navigate. You can hear our podcast on School Libraries-Check Book Out during a Pandemic: (click Library Lounge Podcast!) Library Lounge Podcast. Enjoy!

Whatever the case may be, podcasts are finding their ways into laptops, cell phones, vehicles, libraries, and classrooms. If you are looking start your own podcasts below are three different platforms, I have used and assessed.

Buzzsprout

The signing up for a free account was pretty simple and only tool about two steps to create an account. It did not have the option to sign up with your Gmail account, which makes it easier to login. So now I have to remember yet another password! Other than that, this podcast platform is straightforward in creating your very own podcast. It gives the option to upload files, which makes things easier for the user. Buzzsprout offers users to upload 2 hours of free content every 30 days before having to purchase additional hours of content. If you plan to create short podcasts, this free plan may be for you, however I can see where the user may need to purchase additional time. 2 hours of content can only take you so far. All in all I could see myself using Buzzsprout to create short podcasts. It is simple to upload and create your personal podcasts and the website it easy to navigate through.

 

Podbean

Then there is Podbean. Signing up for a free account allowed you to use you Gmail account, which is a small bonus (not having to remember another password is key) but never the less, it makes logging in is a cinch! If you are looking for a platform that has basic functions to create your personalized podcast, then look no further. Podbean offers 5 free hours of content with the free plan. They also offer 3 paid plans for the podcasts enthusiasts! I think the only downside with the free plan is the bandwidth you are given. I know it’s a business and they want to make money, so if you are needing more than 100 GB of bandwidth then you will be looking at upgrading your basic plan. The website offers a dashboard which keeps all of your podcast information centralized. This platform offers users to upload files to create their podcasts. The website also offers users a live stream option. This is a really neat function that I did not see on Buzzsprout. Both uploading and live streaming your very own podcasts begin with a simple click of a button. I would recommend this particular podcast website to those who are just starting off with podcasts.

Soundcloud

I had heard many great things about this podcast platform, but after taking a closer look, in my opinion it did not live up to my expectations. Then again not every podcast platform will suit every user. If you are in the music industry or looking for a way to show case your talents in music, then this podcast is just for you. Signing up for an account was easy. Once you have created an account you are able to upload your content and create your podcast. You are also able to stream music through the website. This podcast host is a create concept, but I do not think this is the way to go if you are looking for an easy podcast platform to upload and share with listeners. My advice would be to use podcasts such as Podbean or Buzzsprout. Although, I may have found a new way to stream music!