Imagine it... the set has been built, the musical score has been rehearsed, and the seats in the auditorium are full. The house lights go down, the curtain comes up, and... nothing happens. There are no actors and no action. What’s gone wrong, and how do we fix it? As much as we would hate to see this scenario play out on stage, it would feel even worse to experience it first-hand. And yet, I’d wager a bet that we’ve all had similar experiences in our classrooms. We prepare a great lesson, arrange an engaging activity, and plan for an amazing outcome, but it falls flat. The good news, though, is that there are strategies that instructors can use to safeguard against these pitfalls!
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies and guidelines address three different domains: Engagement, Representation, and Action and Expression. To support our students as they engage in the work of learning (what UDL calls “the how”), we can design opportunities that allow our students multiple means of action and expression. These strategies help our students navigate physical demands, expression and communication expectations, and executive functions such as planning and goal setting. By addressing these needs, we activate the strategic networks in our learners’ brains and support them in becoming strategic, goal-directed, and independent learners.
So, what might this look like in your class? Watch the video below to hear how some of your peer faculty have done in their classes.
As you can see, UDL doesn’t have to involve entire course overhauls (though don’t let me stand in your way if that’s what you want!). Rather, it’s about making small tweaks and adjustments to create more accessible and productive learning environments. If all of this sounds enticing and you’re ready to become the Shakespeare of online course design, I’d like to invite you to take part in one or more of the following UDL Spring Refresh activities:
Lights, Camera, Action (and Expression)!
Aryn Davis, M.Ed.
Associate Professor
School of Education
aryn.davis@daytonastate.edu | 386-506-3077
0 Comments.