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Universal Design for Learning
The Infographic above is built with educational staff in mind and the 'Ease of Access' use of their lap tops, so at a glance, educators can have some idea of features that can make a lap top more accessible to all. Working as a library para, I see many chrome books cross my desk area and many need a power wash or 'wiping out' of information. It is then mostly that accessibility presents itself. Larger letters on the keyboard, a cursor with a circle around it to pinpoint where the cursor is right away, 'face log in' as opposed to typing in a user name and password, text to speech or speech to text are the most prevalent that I've seen. Universal Design for learning (UDL) is learning designed for all to use with or without disabilities. It works so that all have the opportunity to learn. In a 4 minute video, UDL at a Glance, four ingredients are needed to make up a UDL - Representation, Action and Expression, and Engagement (date accessed 10/1/2024). Representation is showing the information in different ways. Some learners need words, some learners need a visual format, be it a video, an image, or even a GIF, now AI, Artificial Intelligence is becoming a form of representation as well. Personally, I am still not completely sold on AI, but it's use if new for me, and will need to research it a bit more before I am confident in its' use. Action is allowing students to approach learning tasks, to understand a task and know to follow through and complete that task. Expression is having students demonstrate what they know in different ways, just as information is presented to them in different formats, students may provide answers in the formats they are most comfortable learning. The last ingredient that makes up a formula for a UDL, is Engagement, which is offering tasks to keep students engaged and interested in a learning activity, how to build on from one task to another and collaborate with their peers. To summarize this recipe please be entertained by Mat Field, the emcee in the below video or if you need a different format for learning, please watch the video:
Cited Video: YouTube Video
Instruction Services Librarian, Catherine A. Baldwin, from the University of Pittsburgh, Bradford Campus explains in her article that UDL is globally growing an increasing interest (2021). As communication becomes more vast and strengthens as educators become more digitally connected about best practices, research is expanding from all regions of the world. UDL philosophy benefits all learners, as educators facilitate learning experiences through flexibility, student choice (PBL or Project Based Learning), and technology (Baldwin, 2021). Baldwin's article provides multiple resources as suggestions to expand your research on UDL from books to journals to articles, web sites, and professional learning education communities (2021).
For the past two school years and almost a quarter into a third school year, including beginning the MLIS program, technology use has increased in my professional life as well as has crept into my personal life, especially with two middle schoolers in the house. I have to say, however, I find doing homework at the kitchen table enjoyable with my two middle schoolers also doing their homework with a chrome book in front of them. Topping off the scenario is my husband washing dishes in the background (Ok, I can only imagine that part) although, after begging, he has done dishes 2 times when I am desperate. All this precepts my thoughts of where my strength is with technology, I believe I am still at an appreciation level, I can try and do most things digital, but it is a struggle followed with hurdles to jump over every step of the way. Technology in general, is the one area where I still have some growing to do. I don't always want to be face down, sitting with a device looking back at me, I crave person to people contact and laughing a good belly laugh surrounded with friends. Now that is serious friending!
Works Cited
Baldwin, C. A. (2021). Universal Design for Learning. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 59(3/4), 173–176. https://doi.org/10.5860/rusq.59.3/4.7716
You did a fantastic job explaining the concepts that are central to UDL, Nicole. Good luck with those dishes!
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the informative video! I appreciate all the extra tips when it comes to making computers more accessible. I understand your caution on using AI and think it's always a good idea to do research on the applications you use. I too am hesitant and want to know the impact and history of the AI before I knowingly implement it. I am similar in my approaches to technology, while I have used it for the majority of my life I still find that I can be severely lacking in using it to its full potential. This assignment has shown me just how much more my computer/phone/iPad can be used than how I am currently using it. Not only for myself but for our patrons and anyone who needs/wants better accessibility on their devices.
Hi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteGreat post and infographic! I liked that you explained UDL like a recipe because it definitely has different aspects that work together. I never really thought about how many ways Chrome books and other sorts of technology had shortcuts for accessibility before this assignment. Now, I feel like I need to check these features out.
Nicole, Great infographic! explaining UDL like a recipe is an awesome way to describe it. I myself am still figuring out technology and all the uses. It's comforting to know I am not the only one. Great explanations and I love how your able to help a large community in your career!
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