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/
Thank you for the wonderful resource! The Application for Technology Enhanced Learning was very informative and provided detailed information to help grasp the differences in principles. Virtual teaching has many challenges I appreciate you going above and beyond to make sure you are meeting the needs of your students!
ReplyDeleteUDL and technology are a perfect combination in our current circumstances. But, your topic will ultimately serve you well whether you continue to teach virtually or are able to return to inperson schooling. Your kiddos will benefit from all your hard work, and they are lucky to have you looking out for their best interests.
ReplyDeleteIt was comforting to know how many of these guidelines we already use on the regular. Some of the points you made are something that I had not considered such as rate of speech. There is a lot of learning to do when it comes to UDL. As educators, this is a great tool to have handy and share with others!
ReplyDeleteTammy,
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing these resources! I liked how you focused on technology and UDL integrated, I feel technology is such an important component to really be able to bring UDL into the classroom.
The UDL tools are a great way to have engaging lessons while reaching students on different learning levels. I enjoyed the addition of your well thought out resources!
ReplyDelete