scholarly journals Application of Universal Design for Learning into Remote English Education in Australia amid COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-69
Author(s):  
Hengzhi Hu ◽  
Feifei Huang

Confronted with the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic, students, teachers, educators and other stakeholders have to make the best of online learning from home and look at ways of optimizing remote learning experience. Embedded in the nature of inclusive schooling and organized in a specific public secondary school in Victoria, Australia, this study explores the effectiveness of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) on English as an additional language (EAL) students’ online learning proficiency. The research findings indicate that in the discipline of EAL, with the assistance of multiple means of representation, expression and engagement as well as a range of information-communication technologies (ICTs), UDL has positive effects on students’ academic performance and can trigger their positive attitudes towards online learning experience. This sheds light on the feasibility of improving remote learning quality and promoting inclusive online schooling that engages every student via the implementation of UDL integrated with different assistive technologies, which can be summarized as that UDL is one of the possible solutions to online learning that affords ample opportunities or more precisely, technical promises for the implementation of UDL.

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Rearick ◽  
Erica England ◽  
Jennifer Saulnier Lange ◽  
Corey Johnson

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a pedagogical design theory that accounts for variability across and within learners, both in physical classrooms and with online learning materials. Librarians at Washington State University implemented elements reflective of specific UDL checkpoints in a heavily-used LibGuide for a required undergraduate course. Online learning objects create opportunities for meeting UDL’s goals of not only multiple means of representation, but also engagement and action and expression extending beyond the baseline obligation to meet standard accessibility guidelines. We discuss our implementation of UDL elements, changes in LibGuide use before and after the introduction of UDL features, and usability study results, focusing on how students who face learning barriers view UDL. We explain considerations for successfully implementing UDL in online materials and the potential benefits.


Author(s):  
Joanne Caniglia ◽  
Michelle Meadows

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss two frameworks that are useful for integrating and differentiating technology within online learning environments for students with disabilities: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition Model (SAMR). Following a review of the literature of each framework, the interactive software program, Desmos®, will be used to demonstrate how to integrate these two models. Finally, the authors make recommendations that will support all students to benefit from an online environment and engage in inclusive learning experiences.


2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 39-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Al-Azawei ◽  
Fabio Serenelli ◽  
Karsten Lundqvist

Abstract: The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach is increasingly drawing attention from researchers and educators as a possible solution to promote content accessibility and fill the gap between learner abilities and individual differences. This study aims to analyse the content of a set of peer-reviewed papers published from 2012 to 2015, where UDL framework was applied. We selected 12 studies from different databases and journals depending on 4 criteria: peer-reviewed journals, papers with empirical results, papers that focused on UDL as a framework, and the publication date. These studies were, therefore, categorised into seven themes: type of results, study beneficiary (learners, teachers, both), sample features, geographical region, data collection techniques, data analysis techniques, and learning mode. Most of the selected studies tested the framework in a traditional or a blended learning mode, whereas only one study evaluated its effectiveness in a pure online learning. Positive results were yielded in 9 out of 12 papers, but the majority of them were implemented in the USA. Thus, more research is required in diverse cultural contexts and learning modes to confirm the soundness of this instructional model on learning outcomes and learner experience. Additionally, UDL application in online learning may represent a promising solution to design a flexible learning environment from the start which responds to a wide mix of learner needs, abilities, background knowledge, educational experiences, and cultural differences.


2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Eun Ju Lee

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] The purpose of this study was investigating an elementary teacher's implementation of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework in her science classroom through engaging in participatory action research (PAR). This study examined (1) how the teacher developed understanding UDL and how engagement in PAR contributed to it (2) how the teacher's implementation of UDL influenced non-dominant groups of students' science learning experience as well as class climate. The data sources to answer these research questions included teacher interviews, classroom observation field notes, transcripts of PAR sessions, reflections and artifacts. The findings of the study demonstrate that my participant developed knowledge of UDL over time as engaging in PAR. PAR supported her learning about UDL and how to implement it in her classroom. This study also demonstrates that the teacher's implementation of UDL allowed non-dominant groups of students' greater access to information and learning and supported the engagement of nondominant groups of students in science practices. The results demonstrate that the overall classroom climate became more inclusive as the teacher implemented the UDL framework in several ways. The findings of this study suggest that teachers' understanding of students should precede learning of the three principles of UDL. Moreover, teacher education programs should help preservice teachers attend to strengths of students with special needs as well as weaknesses especially related to academic subject areas. The results of this study reinforce the notion that teachers must be supported in translating policy into practice.


Author(s):  
Jane H. Eberle ◽  
Marcus D. Childress

This chapter outlines a framework for designing online learning using the principles of universal design. The authors define and give practical examples of instructional design models and universal design for learning as adapted for culturally-diverse populations and global learning. Online learning in a global society presents a variety of teaching issues that must be addressed if learning is to be universal, consistent, and culturally-sensitive. Adapting principles that the Center for Assistive Special Technology has developed for learners with special needs and combining those with practical instructional design techniques and instructional strategies can ensure that diverse learners will have equal access to the learning that will take place in their online courses.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Rochelle Vincent ◽  
Mark Bailye

As learner diversity continues to grow, so does the need for institutions to ensure that the needs of all learners are considered and appropriately addressed in the learning, teaching and assessment experiences they design and develop. Creating content and providing a learning experience that is accessible for all students can be challenging. In this session, participants will be exposed to the basic principles behind Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how this can be achieved in practice. When learning materials are well designed – the closer the parity and quality of learning experience becomes for all learners.


2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 136-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda L. Barrio ◽  
Aleksandra Hollingshead

The literature reveals that paraprofessionals are responsible for supporting students at risk of/with disabilities in a variety of academic and nonacademic tasks, yet they often lack appropriate training. Recent studies demonstrated the effectiveness of training for paraprofessionals to support students with disabilities in a meaningful way. In rural communities, such professional development and training opportunities are often unavailable despite the need. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a Universal Design for Learning (UDL)–based ongoing professional development model for paraprofessionals in rural general and special education classrooms. Specifically, this study sought to first examine the professional development needs among paraprofessionals in rural communities in the inland Northwest United States and second to provide effective and ongoing professional development opportunities. Findings from this study suggest that ongoing professional development models for paraprofessionals working with students with disabilities, based on needs assessments and consistent with UDL framework, have positive effects. Discussions of implications for future research and practice are included.


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