EDUC 5313 Week 5 Blog

 

EDUC 5313 Week 5 Blog

 

Part 1: Summary of Technology supports in the UDL framework: Removable scaffolds or permanent new literacies?

 

The article by Vasinda and Pilgrim (2021) addressed the need to implement a new approach to pedagogies that meet the needs of the diverse student population thus creating a meaningful and authentic learning experience. The study outlines how technology can be integrated into the Universal Design of Learning to support learners contrasting traditional literacy skills with contemporary digital literacies. With the UDL principles technology can enhance students engagement and learning experiences.

It also highlights concerns about technology within the Universal Design of Learning as a means of serving as interactional scaffolding or planned scaffolding. Educators can use technology in their curriculum to create an environment conducive to learning by which all the students needs are met.

Part 2: Strategies that could integrate into the lesson

 

Representation and action and expression are two of the Universal Design for Learning strategies that could be used to develop the lesson to make the learning experience inclusive and meaningful to maximize students' abilities.

Incorporating representation design in the lesson allows students the opportunity to interact with the content in a variety of ways. This can be in the form of using graphics, animation, videos, or other digital tools to cater to visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners. Presenting instructions in multiple formats helps activate students' prior knowledge, allows them to relate to the material, and improves their understanding.

            Action and expression enable students to demonstrate their knowledge by interacting and reflecting on the content in many ways. They are provided with differentiated support to manage multi-step tasks, which helps them feel motivated and have a sense of autonomy of their learning.  Engaging in activities like turning and talking with partners using accountable sentence starters, participating in chat stations, responding to questions, making presentations, and giving and providing feedback allows students to express themselves as they engage with the content materials.

Utilizing the Universal Design for Learning framework enables educators to foster an inclusive learning experience that meets the needs of a diverse class population.

Part 3: Reflection on the 2024 NETP integration of UDL strategies to address the Digital Use Divide

            Digital Use Divide refers to students who are allowed to use technology for creation, exploration, and critical analysis, and those who are not. The use of technology in learning must be an active process that will enable students to think critically, collaborate, and create digital content. The UDL framework, when used by educators to deliver the curriculum should cater to individual learning styles, their potential, and cultural backgrounds.

            Multiple representation, expression, and engagement principles of Universal Design for Learning addressed the Digital Use Divide in that it provides inclusivity for all students as they use technology. A multifaceted approach of engaging students with the content using various digital tools will stimulate and arouse the curiosity of all learners, encouraging them to explore and delve deeper into the content materials and enhancing their overall learning experiences.

The representation of instruction in multiple digital formats fosters differentiation and allows students to have options for engaging with the content material.  Students will be able to express information learned using the many digital tools that the educator provides in the lesson and from students own creativity.

Incorporating the Universal Design for Learning framework in the curriculum enhances educators’ opportunities to plan effectively with the use of a variety of digital tools to meet all the needs of the students so no one is exempt from experiencing authentic learning. This framework breaks down the many barriers that exist with the traditional and passive way of teaching.

 

 

 

References

Vasinda, S. and Pilgrim, J. (2021). Technology supports in the UDL framework: Removable scaffolds or permanent new literacies? Reading Research Quarterly, 58(1), 44 - 58. https://ila.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/rrq.484

CAST (2018). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.2. Retrieved from http://udlguidelines.cast.org

Office of Educational Technology. (2024). A Call to Action for Closing the Digital Access, Design, and Use Divides: 2024 National Educational Technology Plan. Retrieved from https://tech.ed.gov/netp/  Introduction and The Digital Use Divide (23 pages)

 

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