Universal Design for Learning Basics - Professional Development

Universal design provides equal access to learning, not simply equal access to information. Universal design allows the student to control the method of accessing information while the teacher monitors the learning process and initiates any beneficial methods.

I participated in the online UDL class, taught by Liz Falconer. The class provided some great tools and recommendations to apply UDL concepts and learning strategies. I learned accessible ways to present information as well as learning the different types of learners.

I'm now applying those new concepts in my classes, such as:

1. Providing adequate physical space. The classroom looks “uncrowded” and more inviting, in addition to being more accessible to everyone.
2. Delivering information in a variety of ways: printed material, PowerPoint presentations, videos, internet applications and class participation/discussions.
3. I'm using built-in “styles” to differentiate headings from text. 
4. Printed materials, use common fonts without embellishments to improve readability. For example, Arial font size 12 text.
5. Students demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways. For example, some students may want to explain aloud the process for calculating a grade point average. Others may prefer to write down a series of steps; still others may demonstrate their mastery by preparing a computerized spreadsheet.

 

I learned new internet applications to create info-graphics and posters.

I created the following posters using new applications: 

https://www.easel.ly/ Links to an external site.

The following posters were created utilizing the application:  

https://www.canva.com/ Links to an external site. 

 

 

We also learned how to use Quizlet, the integration of website links into Canvas, tables in Canvas.