UDL Engagement with Technology

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) minimizes barriers and maximizes learning for all students (CAST, 2010). 

UDL, created by the non-profit organization Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) in 2008, is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn (About CAST, 2023).

Universal refers to curriculum that can be understood by everyone, no matter their learning level (CAST, 2010). 

CAST has three learning principles for UDL:

1. Provide Multiple means of Representation

2. Provide Multiple means of Action and Expression

3. Provide Multiple means of Engagement

One reason why UDL resonates with educators in many different areas is that it brings attention to the diversity of ways that people learn due to variations in their neuro-physical makeup (Gronseth & Hutchins, 2019). 

In our school district we have to use Google Classroom. This came about during COVID, but it is nice to schedule assignments, grade them, give feedback to students, and great for when students are absent. It's also helpful in keeping track of what all students have learned. 

I am also a student organization sponsor, so I created a Google Classroom for that organization. This allows me to keep copies of our bylaws, community service hours, and other announcements in one place. Very helpful! 

We also use the Remind app to communicate with students. The app allows you to set up your own Remind classroom, add students, or the students can add themselves, and it keeps track of your conversations with students. You can post photos or links, and you can even schedule posts. 

Students can set the app on their phone in their own language. It also helps when students are shy about talking in class, but they don't mind texting. 

Blooket is another app that I have used. Teachers pick a question set or create their own question set. They then select a game mode. There is a lot to choose from. My students like the treasurer hunts. The teacher then hosts the game on a large screen in front of the class and students join in on their own devices, such as Chromebooks, tablets or smartphones. My students love it because I allow them to use their phones. Teachers can then review detailed results and see how each student performed. 

Blooket is great for bell ringers. It gets students motivated, especially ones who love to compete. My quiet and shy students always perk up over a Blooket. 

References

About CAST – CAST. (2023, June 6). CAST. https://www.cast.org/about/about-cast.

CAST. (2010, January 6). UDL At A Glance [Video]. YouTube. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDvKnY0g6e4.

Gronseth, S., & Hutchins, H. M. (2019). Flexibility in Formal Workplace Learning: Technology Applications for Engagement through the Lens of Universal Design for Learning. TechTrends, 64(2), 211–218. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-019-00455-6.

Morra, T. & Reynolds, J. (2010). Universal Design for Learning: Application for Technology-Enhanced Learning. Inquiry, 15(1), 43-51. Retrieved July 28, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/55558/.