Introduction to UDL and Accessibility

• Mathematics
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Introduction to UDL and Accessibility

UDL and Accessibility

Today’s objective: 

Determining UDL principles and creating inclusive learning environments

 

Greet learners and briefly introduce the session topic. Highlight that the session will be interactive and relevant to their teaching practice.

What is UDL?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that aims to make learning accessible and effective for all students by accommodating diverse needs and abilities. It involves providing multiple means of Engagement, Representation, and Action/Expression to support every learner.

What Does Accessibility Mean in Education?

• Accessibility ensures all learners can participate and succeed

• Reduces barriers to learning

• Promotes equity in education

Define accessibility and its importance in education. Pose the question to the group to activate prior knowledge and encourage discussion.

Recommended Image:

 An icon representing accessibility, such as a wheelchair or open door.

Why UDL matters in Further Education

Inclusivity: Promotes an inclusive learning environment by accommodating diverse needs.

 

Improved Engagement: Keeps students motivated and actively involved through multiple ways to engage, represent, and express learning.

Enhanced Academic Success: Improves academic outcomes by catering to individual strengths and needs.

Support for All Learners: Ensures equitable access to education for all students, including those with disabilities

What does UDL stand for?

1. Unique Design for Learning
2. Universal Design for Life
3. Universal Developmental Learning
4. Universal Design for Learning

Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

  Three core principles:

• Engagement

• Representation

• Action/Expression

Engagement - The First UDL Principle

Engagement: Motivating and involving learners

• Choice in activities

• Collaborative group work

• Variety in teaching methods

How to implement the Engagement principle of UDL:

 1 Offer Choices:

Allow students to choose topics for projects or assignments based on their interests.

2 Incorporate Real-World Relevance:

Design activities that connect learning to real-life situations and students' personal experiences.

How to implement the Engagement principle of UDL:

3 Encourage Collaboration:

Facilitate group work and peer interactions to build a sense of community and shared learning.

4 Provide Varied Activities:

Use a mix of activities such as discussions, hands-on projects, and interactive games to keep students engaged

How to implement the Engagement principle of UDL:

5. Give Constructive Feedback:

Provide timely and specific feedback that emphasizes effort and progress, helping students stay motivated.

6 Use Technology:

Integrate multimedia and interactive tools to make learning more dynamic and engaging.

What is the goal of engagement in UDL?

1. Motivate and involve all learners
2. Reduce classroom distractions
3. Increase assessment scores
4. Standardise learning experiences

Which strategy enhances student engagement?

1. Standardising assessment methods
2. Eliminating technology use
3. Limiting group work opportunities
4. Providing choices in learning tasks

Allow students to choose topics for projects or assignments based on their interests

Connect learning to real-life experiences

Facilitate group work and peer interactions 

Use a mix of discussions, hands-on projects and games

Provide timely and specific feedback that emphasizes effort and progres

Integrate multimedia and interactive tools to make learning more dynamic and engagin

 Offer Choices

Real World Relevance

 Encourage Collaboration

Provide Varied Activities

Give Constructive Feedback

Use Technology

Representation - The Second UDL Principle

Representation is the process of collecting and presenting information to students in a way that students can understand, engage with and learn from.

Representation - The Second UDL Principle

Representation: Presenting information in multiple ways

• Text, images, audio, and video

• Accessible formats (e.g., large print, subtitles)

• Clear and structured materials

00:40

According to the video, what is the main difference between book lovers and movie lovers?

01:16

What might a student prefer when conducting heavy research projects?

1. Printed copies for annotation and highlighting
2. Access to Social Media
3. Digital text for easy organisation,
4. Background music

01:25

Why might alternative formats, such as braille or audio, be necessary for some students?

1. To improve their learning experience
2. To keep them quiet
3. They are essential for students with disabilities
4. To let you get marking done

02:24

What is the key takeaway about providing information in a classroom?

Action and Expression - The Third UDL Principle

Allowing learners to demonstrate knowledge in varied ways

• Writing, speaking, creating videos

• Using assistive technology

• Flexible assessment methods

Action and Expression - The Third UDL Principle

Options for Physical Action

Options for Expression and Communication:

Options for Executive Functions

Action and Expression - The Third UDL Principle

Options for Physical Action: Alternative Input Methods:

Touchscreens and Tablets: Allow learners to interact with content using touch gestures.

Voice Recognition Software: Enable students to control devices and input text using their voice.

Switches and Adaptive Keyboards: Provide alternative ways for learners with physical disabilities to interact with computers and other devices.

Action and Expression - The Third UDL Principle

Options for Physical Action: Assistive Technologies:

Speech-to-Text Tools: Help learners who have difficulty writing by allowing them to speak their responses.

Text-to-Speech Tools: Assist learners with reading difficulties by reading text aloud.

Eye-Tracking Devices: Enable learners with severe physical disabilities to control a computer using their eye movements.

Action and Expression - The Third UDL Principle

Options for Physical Action: Physical Manipulatives:

Hands-On Materials: Use objects like blocks, models, and other tangible items to help learners understand abstract concepts.

Interactive Whiteboards: Allow students to engage with digital content in a tactile way

Action and Expression - The Third UDL Principle

Options for Physical Action: Flexible Seating and Movement:

Standing Desks and Stability Balls: Provide options for learners to choose seating arrangements that help them focus and stay engaged.

Movement Breaks: Incorporate short breaks that allow students to move around and reset their focus.

Action and Expression - The Third UDL Principle

Options for Physical Action: Digital Tools and Resources:

 

Educational Apps: Use apps that offer interactive and engaging ways to learn and practice skills.

Online Simulations and Games: Provide virtual environments where learners can experiment and learn through play

Action and Expression - The Third UDL Principle

Options for Expression and Communication: Various methods for learners to express their understanding

Why is it important to utilise multiple tools for construction and composition?

To save time

To reduce reliance on traditional methods

To avoid using technology

What is an example of a traditional approach prioritised by educational institutions?

Research papers

Web applications

Mobile devices

What is one way to create an inclusive learning environment?

Ban mobile devices

Embrace non-traditional tools

Focus only on research papers

Reflection and Next Steps

Reflect: How can you apply UDL in your teaching? 

• One actionable change to make

• Explore additional resources

• Questions or final thoughts?

Reflect: How can you apply UDL in your teaching?

What did you like or dislike about today's session?