Module 12 Universal Design for Learning

 Module 12 Universal Design for Learning  (UDL)

Questions

Which of these guidelines am I already using? 

• Provide multiple means of engagement.

• Access

• Build

• Cultivate a community of learners.

• Provide feedback that encourages perseverance, focuses on development of efficacy and self-awareness, and encourages the use of specific supports and strategies in the face of challenge

• Provide multiple means of representation.

• Access

• Share information in more ways than sound and voice alone.

• Share information in more ways than images and text alone.

• Build

• Construct meaning from words, symbols, and numbers using different representations.

• Use translations, descriptions, movement, and images to support learning in unfamiliar or complex languages.

• Make learning come alive with simulations, graphics, activities, and videos.

• Internalize

• Build connections to prior understandings and experiences.

• Accentuate important information and how it relates to the learning goal.

• Apply learning to new contexts.

• Provide multiple means of action and expression

• Access

• Interact with tools and environments that make learning physically accessible to all.

• Build

• Share thoughts and ideas using tools that complement the learning goal.

• Internalize

• Support organization and memory using flexible tools and processes.

• Formulate reasonable plans for reaching goals.

• Practice setting challenging and authentic goals.

• Analyze growth over time and how to build from it.

Which of these could I add right now to my teaching practice?

• Provide multiple means of representation

• Access 

• Use flexible materials with settings that can be adjusted based on needs and preferences.

• Provide multiple means of action and expression

• Build

• Express learning in flexible ways.

• Apply and gradually release scaffolds to support independent learning.

Which of these look great, but I might need some help to implement? 

• Provide multiple means of action and expression 

• access

• Open doors to learning with accessible tools and devices.

• Internalize

• Analyze growth over time and how to build from it.

• Provide Multiple means of engagement. 

• Build

• Set a vision for the goal and why it matters.

 

BLOG 

After viewing the UDL guidelines, I am pleased to say that I, as a professional, implement almost most of these teaching strategies. Although I implement many, I found ways I could improve and add UDL guidelines in a lesson plan and on a daily basis. 

In education, diversifying lessons has always been practiced. As teacher librarians we strive to teach in a positive and effective way that will allow all students to learn. Using the UDL guidelines in lesson plans helps guide us do just that. According to the article, Keeping up with… Universal Design for Learning, “Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational movement focused on changing our instructional practices to reach the maximum number of students regardless of ability, disability, age, gender, or cultural and linguistic background.” (Brown) By carefully planning and executing a lesson using UDL will help reach students at all levels and needs, closing the gaps. 

One of my weaknesses is that I do not incorporate enough hands-on activities or tools and technology for students. So, in order to open the doors to learning and make a variety of tools and devices accessible, I need to incorporate more tools and hands-on activities to reach those students who learn in such a manner. A teacher has two ways they could teach, show or tell. You can tell a student how to do a task, but if you show and guide them they will be more likely to learn it. There are positive outcomes when a teacher incorporates hands-on activities in a lesson. According to Rosa Lizardi, author of Hands on Activities, “Hands-on activities let the students' minds grow and learn based on the experiences and the environment they are exposed to.” 

In closing, it is important to use and understand the benefits of using the UDL guidelines to help guide and ensure your lessons are targeting all learning styles. Using the UDL guidelines will help strengthen student learning and help close learning gaps. 

Resources

Brown, R., Welhouse, Z., & Wolfe, A. (2020, April 16). Keeping up With. . . Universal design for learning. Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL). https://www.ala.org/acrl/publications/keeping_up_with/udl

Lizardi, R. (n.d.). Hands on activities. Reading Rockets. Retrieved November 24, 2021, from https://www.readingrockets.org/article/hands-activities

UDL: Vary the methods for response and navigation. (2018, January 16). UDL Guidlines. Retrieved November 24, 2021, from https://udlguidelines.cast.org/action-expression/physical-action/response-navigation

LSSL 5391 Podcasts

 My partner Raquel Perez and I created a podcast using PodBean. In this podcast we discussed the 5 ways you could make your library mobile-friendly.  

Using the PodBean was a easy. If you are a beginner at podcasting this is a great website to start with. You can use your own voice recording app. to record and then upload it to PodBean. Once you upload your recording you have the option to save as a draft or to publish. Below is the podcast we created. 

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-xbiqx-112e471

Audioboom is another podcasting website that you may be interested in using as well. Whether you are into podcasts or want to become a podcaster Audioboom is one to consider when starting. It is free, but if you want all the bells and whistles you could upgrade for a fee. With Audioboom you can host, distribute, and monetize your audio. This is another user friendly website and works well for beginners to advanced podcasters. Visit the website to learn more and if it fits your needs. 

Soundcloud is website that allows you to connect to music, artists, blogs, and friends. I'm not sure if this is a true podcasting website or it may be a version of podcasting. I would not recommend it for podcasting if you are a beginner. I found it inscrutable. Although I found it inscrutable for podcasting, I did find interesting to able to share music with friends and be up to date with the latest music and trends. Soundcloud is limited with the free subscription, but you like what you see and hear, you could upgrade for as little as *4.99 a month. 

             

                                     

After reading the article, Handing Students the Mic: Podcasting to increase Engagement" by Mike Yakubovsky, I learned that using podcasts in a classroom develops students ownership and learning. An interesting observation made by Anthony Stirpe was the "new level of expression and thoroughness", students developed while using podcasts to present their findings. 

http://www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol15/num19/handing-students-the-mic-podcasting-to-increase-engagement.aspx?utm_source=ascdexpress&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1519-hs

LSSL 5391 Cartoons and Comics

 

 https://www.fotojet.com/features/misc/photo-comic.html

I had never heard of Fotojet before and so far it is user friendly and has lots of neat features you could use to customize your next project. Librarians could use it promote new materials in the library, like the image below. Teachers and other educators could use this website as well in the classroom to create special projects for a lesson or to check for understanding, send announcements; the ideas are endless when using your creativity. 

It is free to sign up, but it has limited options available. You can upgrade to access more designs, text, photos, templates and backgrounds. 

Heads up! You CANNOT save on the website unless you upgrade. You CAN download for FREE, So download and save to your computer before your sign out. 

https://edu.pixton.com/educators


I had a lot of fun creating the comic strip below. This is such a cool website. I would pay to get the upgraded features for this website. Very easy to work with. Creating the avatars is similar to creating a  Bitmoji. 

Aside from utilizing this in the library, this website is a great free resource for teachers looking for something new and engaging for students. 

* I do not recommend using the website on a phone. It is best to work on a computer or laptop. 

http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Comix/

Make Beliefs Comix was a bit difficult to learn and get the hang of. Once you get the hang of it and learn all the cool features it could be a really neat resource to use in the library or in the classroom. Compare it to Pixton it has more free options and features. 

In the classroom, teachers can use it for getting know their students in the first week of school or create a visual plot for a story read in class. These are just a couple of ideas. 

I recommend this for educators who teach upper elementary - high school. 

The Comix I created was a get to know you activity "My Biggest Challenge" I made it a bit humorous because we have to laugh at our challenges so it don't devour us. None the less, this website would be good, but become an expert before you assign an assignment to students. 

YA Authors (Alexander- Acevedo)

 Author Kwame Alexander

Title: Solo 

Alexander, K. (2017). Solo. MI: HarperCollins

Summary 

Blade, a young man, who becomes salutatorian is struggling with personal issues. His father is a drunk who crashes his salutatorian speech and loses his mother to a bee sting. To make things more difficult, his girlfriend's mother does not approve of him because she thinks he will end of like his father, a drunk. 

After blades graduation, his father is checked into a rehab. He serves his time and returns home to a party. During the party tempers rise and a bomb is dropped on Blade. They tell Blade he is adopted. Blade is shocked and immediately begins searching for his mother. He finds a lead in Ghana and is on his way to meet his mother. 

Blade is overcome with all types of feelings, it helps him find his voice to sing. .

Discussion 

This book is a YALSA 2018 quick picks for Reluctant YA. 

Connections

Another book by Kwame Alexander is The Crossover

Author Chris Crutcher

Title: Athletic Shorts 

Crutcher, C. (1989). Athletic Shorts. New York, NY: Harper Collins.

Summary: This book is composed of six short stories. Each story has an eye opening, realistic lesson for young adults about life. 

Discussion: I enjoyed reading this book. The real issues Crutcher writes about are still relatable to teens today. Although the stories are short, they have a huge impact on the reader. Some issues are controversial but I feel it is great exposure so teens begin forming their own opinions about difficult issues in the real world. 

Connections: Crutcher has written numerous great reads. If you liked this book check out one of his other books Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes.

Author Robert Cormier

Title: The Chocolate War 

Cormier, R. (2004). The chocolate war. Ember.

Summary:

Young Jerry Renault refuses to sell chocolates for his school. His school is in a pickle and are forced to sell double the chocolates for the double the price. The school asks The Vigils to help with the school matter. Jerry builds the audacity to stare Brother Leon in the face and refuses to sell for the school fundraiser. The boys at school are given fifty boxes to sell and Jerry and his defiance causes problems with the other boys in the school. The boys are cruel and become violent towards each other, but Renault stands firm on his choice and chooses to stand up for what is right, no matter what others think of him. It is unfortunate and unexpected ending. It is a harsh lesson Renault learns and has to live with. 

Discussion:

The very first page draws you in and wanting more. Finally, a book that will engage reluctant readers, especially teen boys and get kids thinking the flipside of situations. Although, the ending is not the ending we expect from a story, it shows that one should not give in to please others. It shows to keep your values and principles. Jaw dropping ending!

Connections: 

I would defiantly recommend another one of Cormier's books. Other books he has written are: I am the Cheese, Frenchtown Summer, and Heroes to name a few. 

Author A.S. King

King, A. S. (2011). Everybody sees the ants. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Title: Everybody Sees the Ants

Summary: This novel is about a young 15 year old boy named, Lucky Liderman. He is a victim of a bully named Nader. Lucky struggles with the personal heartache at home and more so he struggles with how to deal and handle the bully situation. His mother takes notice of his distress and sends Lucky away to Arizona. In the novel, Lucky escapes the harsh realities of life and holds a secret that has readers in suspense. Lucky goes on a number of rescue missions in which he is able to become who ever he wants for just a while to escape reality. 

Discussion: This books depicts the true realities teens go through today. Many teens are going through so much and tend to ignore or push their emotions aside. Bullying is one of those realities kids through and do not know how to handle it. Even bystanders do not know how to help and think someone else will intervene. 

Connections: As I was reading this novel I had assigned a readers advisory article to my students.  It was named "The Bystander Effect: Why you Don't Stand Up When You Should" by Courtney Lindstrand and the author presented a problem about the bystander effect and how to prevent or solve the issue. 

Author Andrew Smith

Title: In the Path of Falling Objects

Smith, A. (2010). In the path of falling objects. Square Fish.

Summary: This novel is about a two teen brothers who forced to fend for themselves after their mother abandoned them, and their father was sent to prison. The brothers decide to leave their home with only ten dollars in their pocket. They know if they stay nothing good will come out of it. They hitch a ride from a couple, but Jonah had an uneasy feeling about them. The couple are on the run and Simon helps Mitch steal a license plate. This causes conflict between Simon and Jonah. To make things worse Lily and Jonah can not resist temptation and sleep together and are discovered by Mitch. On their journey conflicts continue to rise and the boys are involved in other crimes and Lily becomes bitter towards Mitch. Simon and Lily make a run from Mitch. Lily falls ill and is in pain. Mitch shows up and causes more trouble. Tragically, Mitch, Lily, and Walker are killed and burned. To add to the stress, Jonah and Simon's older brother commits suicide. 

Discussion: When I saw the book cover I could already feel the hopeless, worried, and defeated emotions of the the characters will endure. It takes me back to think that people will go to great extents because of their desperate and selfishness. I think this book is for mature teen audiences because of the sexual, intense love, and adult problems. 

Connection: Another book by Smith is:  "Grasshopper Jungle" 

Author John Green

Title: The Fault in Our Stars

Green, J. (2012). The fault in our stars. NY: Dutton Books

Summary: Sixteen year old Hazel Graze has cancer since the age of 13. She attends a cancer support group that helps her cope with the struggles she faces with cancer. In this group she finds love with a boy named Augustus Waters. He had cancer and is now in remission, though he lost a leg. They begin to hang out outside of the meetings and Hazel shows him her favorite book. The ending is inscrutable and abrupt. they decide to go to Amsterdam to meet and speak to the author to find out what happened to the character. They share a kiss while in Amsterdam at house of the famous Anne Frank. 

Augustus has bad news and breaks it to Hazel that his cancer has come back and has decided to plan for the worst. Unfortunately, the worst has happened. Augustus had written an Eulogy about Hazel. 

Discussion

A tear jerker and love story between two young people. I had always seen the book in the library and on store shelves, I can't believe I waiting for so long to read it. Green captures the intensity of cancer and touches our hearts with the overwhelming love and support one needs in times of critical illness. 

Connections

The novel was made into a motion picture, which is also filled with laughter and tears. 

Author Elizabeth Acevedo

Title: With the Fire on High 

Acevedo, E. (2019). With the fire on high. Harperteen, An Imprint Of Harpercollinspublishers.

Summary: The themes respect and perseverance are prevalent in this book. Emoni is a senior who dreams of becoming a chef; she lives a hard life. She become a mother at a young age and struggles with whether or not she should attend college. She decides to study abroad and begins to pursue her dream. Emoni pushes through the stereotypes and adversities of becoming a young mother and takes charge to provide a better life for herself, child, and grandmother. 

Discussions: Working in a school I hear similar stories like Emoni. Young ladies are struggling with continuing their education or focusing solely on their family. It is a tough choice to make, but books like these help one put things into perspective. I thought the author did a unique way of structuring her book, beginning with a recipe. I really enjoyed reading this books. 

Connections: Acevedo is also the author of The Poet X

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

1. Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson

Woodson, J. (2020). Before the ever after. Penguin Young Reader Group.

Great Graphic Novels for Teens

1. The Apothecary Diaries

Natsu Hyuuga, Nekokurage, Itsuki Nanao, Touco Shino, Goniwich, J. & Lys Blakeslee. (2020), The apothecary diaries. Square Enix Manga.

N

This graphic novel is a 2022 nominee for Great Graphic Novels for Teens. I think this is an interesting graphic novel because of the growing popularity of manga.

Best Fiction Young Adult

After the Fire by Will Hill

 The book cover caught my eye. It has an eerie, dark, and mysterious feel to it. This book deals with religious ideals and the power one can have over people. Great read!