The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can be used to proactively design lessons that address learner variability. Using UDL guidelines, teachers can integrate flexible options and supports that ensure standards-based lessons are accessible to a range of learners in their classrooms. It maximizes access and minimizes the barriers. This approach offers flexibility in the ways students access material, engage with it, and show what they know.
As a learner, I experienced this framework in many of my M.Ed. courses, such as in ‘Learning about Learning’, ‘Curriculum, Teaching and Learning’, etc. and now in this coursework of Educational Technology. My instructors have provided me and my classmates with various ways and mediums to learn, such as by creating blogs, videos, PowerPoints, or by writing papers. This helped me to relax and use my full ability to attain the learning goals. I have experienced UDL inculcation in the form of class agenda, while playing informative games such as Kahoot, while using Padlet for feedback, and as team building activities- group discussions. As a teacher I now understand, how a properly applied UDL can benefit students with exceptionalities and those from culturally diverse backgrounds.
I did my app review on Kahoot. Kahoot can be used as a way to represent, express, and engage students for a topic. Its accessibility tool can help different type of students to overcome intellectual, emotional, physical barriers. For example, students with speech impairments can play this game. The use of captions, help to read properly. It allows diverse learning through multi-media and can help students with many styles of learning. Kahoot is engaging and motivating students to learn the material. Students can create their own games and quizzes. It is an amazing tool for assessment and engaging students. Kahoot helps to develop a curriculum for the widest, largest possible audience.
References
Bass, G., & Riddell, M. L. (2020, January 6). UDL: A powerful framework [Image]. Faculty Focus. https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/course-design-ideas/universal-design-for-learning/
Kennette, L. N., & Wilson, N. A. (2019). Universal design for learning (UDL): What is it and how do I implement it? Transformative Dialogues: Teaching & Learning Journal, 12(1), 1-6.
Rao, K., & Meo, G. (2016). Using universal design for learning to design standards-based lessons. Sage Open, 6(4), 1-12. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2158244016680688
Hi Gagan,
Speaking of UDL, it reminds me of another topic that was often discussed among educators—curriculum design. Being universal seems to be a topic-centred way of designing course content, and there’re a bunch of people who were student-centred supporters who may criticize it. However, I believe it’s always nice to have a framework when we know that we are on an on-going path towards the ultimate goal—personalized education.