Week 5 Blog Post: Examining Research and Resources for UDL

 Week 5 Blog Post

Part 1: Summary of Article

In the educational report by Sean J. Smith and Evelyn E. Harvey, the authors point out, even before the pandemic in 2020 that caused all schools go virtual, that online or blended learning had been increasing within the United States. With this increase is a concern about having universal standards that can guide online teaching and learning, especially for students that face learning disabilities. Yet, the authors present various benefits to online or blended learning, such as presenting “content and instruction in various ways,” differentiation for students, teachers having “increased ability to monitor progress,” and students having the flexibility to work at their own pace (2014, p. 223). To examine the topic of online learning and students with disabilities combined with an assessment of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), the authors examine and present an assessment of Khan Academy and different elements of that educational online resource.

This relates to the lesson I am developing in various ways. The lesson I am developing is guided by the ISTE standards and Liz Kolb’s Triple E Framework, which both align with the UDL. It is helpful to see another perspective on the importance of designing lessons and curriculum that emphasizes engagement and seeing the value of multiple resources or platforms instead of solely relying on a tool to teach students. The tool must be used in the proper way for each learning goal. Also, since my lesson is using technology that uses online tools or work, it is important to make sure that the tools and online activities in my lesson are measured appropriately with the UDL principles and provide true engagement, enhancement, and extension. 

Moreover, through the assessment of Khan Academy, the report demonstrated the need to be cautious of “reliable” or “engaging” platforms and tools. Just because there might be good content, whatever good may mean, doesn’t imply that a student can meet a learning goal through the tool or platform. The research found

 “that while the Khan Academy lessons are available via video offering closed captioning as well as audio output, as a whole, they are not particularly aligned to the principles of UDL. Thus, they are limited in providing critical features and embedded supports required for the unique and individualised learning needs of students with language, literacy, and executive function deficits, hallmarks of challenges associated with students with disabilities (e.g. receiving special education services)” (2014, p. 236).

This parallels with how Kolb explains that simply having access or using a device, tool, or platform does not equate with learning and engagement. There is a need for focused learning goals and appropriate teacher involvement.

Part 2: Identifying Resources from CAST

“CAST is a multifaceted organization with a singular ambition: Bust the barriers to learning that millions of people experience every day.” They base their work off of the UDL. Their website provides insights and resources to help teachers develop curriculum and lessons that integrate the UDL. One resource that their website provides is a downloadable guideline that asks questions to make sure a lesson and curriculum meets the requirements for each category of “Engagement,” “Representation,” and “Action & Expression.” Questions to consider.

Another resource is a brief document that explains the science of learning and the brain and how the UDL principles work in tandem with the brain to maximize learning. This knowledge can help teachers understand how to organize and develop their lessons so that each lesson plays into and leverages how the brain works to maximize the learning of each student. Science of Learning pdf.

References

Smith, Sean J. and Harvey, Evelyn E. 2014. K-12 online lesson alignment to the principles of Universal Design for Learning: the Khan Academy. Routledge: Taylor & Francis Group, Vol. 29, No. 3, 222–242, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02680513.2014.992402

CAST, Inc. (2023). Tips & Free Resources. https://www.cast.org/resources/tips-free