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| (Campbell, 2015) |
What is UDL?
Even if you are unfamiliar with universal design, there is a good possibility that you have come across it in your daily life. Examples of universal design include automatic doors, closed captioning, accessible building infrastructure, and curb cuts that make it possible for wheelchairs to pass. Although these designs benefit those with disabilities, those without disabilities could find them useful as well (Morra & Reynolds, 2010).
The universal design for learning framework provides educators with a variety of strategies and resources to help give a diverse group of students an equal opportunity to succeed using three main principles that provide multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression.
SMART Board
2014 was when I started out as a teacher. The electronic whiteboard, sometimes known as a SMART board, immediately became familiar to me. Images, workbooks, and videos were primarily displayed using it. The children also used four desktop computers in the classroom for Renaissance reading as well as Star Fall, Prodigy, and Istation during center time.
SMART Board Plus
In 2018, I underwent some professional development that provided a basic explanation of a few new technology programs that may be used in the classroom. However, due to a lack of time and resources, the new technology program was never implemented in the classroom. I never used it; therefore, I can't recall the program. By including some interactive learning with the students, I expanded on how I used the SMART board. It was one of those instances where the teacher still maintained primary control over the whiteboard and the students only used technology when necessary. I would invite children to the board to write on it or choose an answer to a problem when we were working math or phonics. That kept them interested in a short while, but it rapidly grew monotonous because they knew they wouldn't be called again once they had taken their turn.
Five IPads and Twenty Plus Students
A few months into the academic year, five iPads were distributed to each classroom. I could have added this to a learning center, but I didn't know how, and I preferred to prevent a dispute between students in the first-grade vying for their turn. Kahoot quizzes were the principal use for the iPads. We would play a Kahoot! game when I was a first-grade teacher. and the students would become so enthusiastic. The fact that my class was loud and boisterous made me aware of their level of engagement. The kids are usually interested and having fun when I utilize this tool to wrap up my financial aid presentations. I am most astonished to see how well so many students perform on the quiz, which indicates that they paid attention and took in the information.
Reflection
As they say, "Hindsight is 20/20," I consider my past experiences and what I've learned about the UDL framework, as well as how I may have become a better teacher. I will address the "why, what, and how" of improving the learning experience for all students in my subsequent chapter, which will focus on the three UDL principles.
How will I involve all learners with the technology at my disposal (CAST, 2021)? How will I maintain effort and motivation (CAST, 2021)? How will I promote self-regulation so that students develop coping skills, self-assessment, and reflection (CAST, 2021)? These are some of the questions I would think about when planning for engagement in a lesson.
Resources
Campbell, S. F. (2015, February 3). Image from https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3206/3030416930_d7555dcd9e.jpg. Flickr. Retrieved July 24, 2022, from https://www.flickr.com/photos/samuelfcampbell2003/16432765042
CAST. (2021, October 15). The UDL guidelines. UDL. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://udlguidelines.cast.org/
Morra, T., & Reynolds, J. (2010). Universal Design for Learning: Application for technology ... - ed. ERIC. Retrieved July 24, 2022, from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ881564.pdf
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