Classroom Engagement through UDL and Technology Integration

-

As educators, we're always looking for ways to better engage our students and meet the diverse needs in our classrooms.  The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework provides guidance on how to proactively design learning experiences that remove barriers and allow all students equal opportunities to learn (CAST, 2010). Incorporating technology to enhance classroom engagement, aligns well with the UDL framework. When selecting and integrating learning apps, we must consider how they address the three UDL principles – multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement (CAST, 2010; Morra & Reynolds, 2010). Similarly, Gronseth & Hutchins (2020) highlight that using technologies to support UDL’s engagement principle can improve learner motivation and persistence, which is crucial in both K-12 and workplace learning settings.  Today, I will be sharing some learning apps and resources that has helped me put UDL into practice:

Nearpod enables the creation of interactive lessons that can be customized to meet the diverse needs of students (Nearpod Library, n.d.). Nearpod’s flexibility in designing lessons tailored to students’ needs has been beneficial in both math and science.  It supports UDL’s principle of providing multiple means of representation by allowing educators to present content in various formats, such as interactive slides, videos, and quizzes.


IXL provides comprehensive practice and analytics to track student progress and identify areas for improvement (IXL Learning | IXL, n.d.). IXL is an effective tool for practice to reinforce concepts but based on my experience, it can lead to frustration if the goal is not attainable. Also, supplementing IXL with a project-based assessment where students can create videos explaining a concept, will allow for varied methods of demonstrating understanding, aligning with UDL’s principle of providing multiple means of action and expression.


Quizlet offers various study modes and games to support vocabulary learning and engagement (Quizlet, 2023). By integrating Quizlet’s flashcards to reinforce vocabulary in an engaging way, supports UDL’s principle.  The gamified elements from Quizlet will make learning fun and competitive.



Guiding Questions for Educators:

1.  How can I present content in multiple ways to ensure all students understand?

  • Integrate multimedia resources and interactive tools to cater to different learning styles.

2.  What flexible methods can I offer for students to express their knowledge?

  • Allow for a range of assignment types, including digital, oral and written formats.

3.  How can I keep students engaged and motivated throughout the learning process?

  • Provide choices in learning activities, use gamified elements, and facilitate collaborative projects.


Integrating these tools into our instruction allows students to engage in various ways, represent diverse knowledge, and independent learning.  The multimedia, collaboration, and creativity options cover many UDL engagement principles.  The apps are educational tools, therefore it’s crucial to purposefully design the learning experience around them in order to fully implement UDL.


References:

CAST. (2010, January 6). UDL at a glance [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDvKnY0g6e4

Gronseth, S. L., & Hutchins, H. M. (2020). Flexibility in Formal Workplace Learning: Technology Applications for Engagement through the Lens of Universal Design for Learning. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 64(2), 211–218.

IXL Learning | IXL. (n.d.). https://www.ixl.com/company/ixl

Morra, T., & Reynolds, J. (2010). Universal design for learning: Application for technology-enhanced learning. Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges, 15(1), 5.

Nearpod Library. (n.d.). https://nearpod.com/nearpod-library

Quizlet. (2023). Quizlet. Quizlet. https://quizlet.com/latest


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Technology Integration in the Classroom

-
Image
Enhancing Learning with the TPACK Framework The use of technology in the classroom is considerable changing the way education is delivered. Teachers must comprehend the effective utilization of technology in order to enhance student engagement and accessibility in learning. A valuable example of this concept is the TPACK framework, created by Punya Mishra and Matthew Koehler. This model integrates Content Knowledge (CK), Pedagogical Knowledge (PK), and Technological Knowledge (TK) to create TPACK, the ideal intersection for incorporating technology into teaching (Koehler, 2017). Components of the TPACK Model Content Knowledge (CK) :   This refers to the teacher's comprehension of the subject material, encompassing principles, theories, and information within a particular field (Truong, 2024). Pedagogical Knowledge (PK) :  This emcompasses the understanding of teaching and learning techniques. This requires a grasp of student learning, how to manage a classroom, plan lessons, a...
Read more

Andragogy of Educational Technology Training

-
Image
Effective Professional Development Using Androgogical Principles When designing technology training for adult learners, it’s important to recognize that adults have different needs, motivations, and learning styles compared to younger students (Fox, 2020). Andragogy, the art and science of teaching adults, is a term popularized by Malcolm Knowles in the 1960s. Knowles’ six assumptions of adult learners provide a foundation for effective professional development (PD) design (Fox, 2020). Understanding and applying andragogy principles is crucial for improving educational technology training for adult learners. First, adults need to understand why they should learn something before investing time and effort (Fox, 2020).  For example, when introducing a new learning management system, trainers should demonstrate how it will facilitate communication with students and parents.  Additionally, adult learners are more likely to learn effectively when given autonomy (Fox, 2020).  T...
Read more