Today I researched multiple online tools which support UDL in the classrooms. I would like to share three resources with you.
UDL Tech Toolkit - MindMup
There are multiple reasons teachers choose to do mind mapping in their classroom. During my first teaching practice, each unit started with a mind map, where students could reflect on their background knowledge regarding the topic. It was an equitable environment where all student believed that their contribution was valuable. This helped the teacher notice the current level of knowledge and experience of the individual students and use this information to plan future lessons within the students ZPD.
As the formation of mind maps do not rely on students’ language or writing skills, students will have the freedom to interpret topics in their own way and express their ideas according to their strengths. As a result, mind maps offer a more accurate and realistic reading of a student’s knowledge.
MindMup is great for individual note-taking, collaborative planning, teamwork and classrooms. MindMup allows students to delete, change and add notes at school and at home. This allows students to work collaboratively without being restricted to limited space (posters) and time. Students who might struggle speaking up in class or during group work can share their knowledge and ideas through this platform. Furthermore, this tool allows students to attach documents, videos and images to their mind map which might help different learners express their knowledge better and can be used to collect all resources.
Although MindMup is advertised as free of charge, many advertised features including the option to collaborate are restricted and might eventually lead users to pay for an upgraded version.
Still, I would recommend the use of MindMup in an inclusive classroom in order to allow all students to draw on existing knowledge and lived experiences to better understand assignments.
UDL Aligned Strategies for Engagement – Comic Strip Writing
Some of the benefits of using comic strips include the fact they are fun and motivating, promote creative writing and critical-, higher-order thinking skills. Comic strips can be used with students from different grades, can be integrated in different school subjects and can be used in various literacy-based activities. The stories, illustrations and bright colours engage multiple senses at once and increase engagement of students with different learning preferences. A variety of characters allows students the freedom to write about many topics including independent or self-directed topics. Comics deepens their comprehension, and clearly shows if someone needs additional help. Comic strips are highly effective in teaching foreign languages because it provides students with a clearer mental picture of the contextual situations wherein, they can use the phrase or words. Comics strips can be used to let students show their understanding of new concepts before, during or after a new unit. When students act out their comic strips, learners practice their speaking skills. After reading a story, students can retell the main plot points of the story using a comic strip. Finally, comic strips are a great way to raise awareness and discuss sensitive issues like bullying, sexual misconduct, politics, racism, and other things because it presents these topics in a non-threatening way. Student might be able to emphasize with the characters in the comic strip and help them understand the motivation of the characters and the moral implications of their actions.
Guide to Technology Tools for Learning - Increase access to information
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is increasingly seen as a major tool in meeting individual learning needs. In order to provide equitable lifelong learning opportunities, all learners must have equal access to information.
It is best for teachers to think of accessibility from the start when offering information. This requires awareness for issues of accessibility. Teachers need to focus more on accessibility for all, and not so much on specific disabilities.
The “Increase access to information” resource shares multiple digital accessibility tools the overall purpose and examples of how to use them. The digital tools include the text-to-speech tool, turning on closed captions, audio books and adjustable fonts and spacing which allow all students to access and better understand information. I understand that most people benefit from the tools but I was still missing information on how the tools benefit students who truly need them.
Overall, this resource provides the reader with information on various digital information accessing tools that can help remove existing systematic barriers that exclude many learners.
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