On the Journey Step Two: Digital Media Tools for All Learners

On the Journey Step Two: Digital Media Tools for All Learners

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The use of the Universal Design for Learning framework when creating lessons and choosing digital media tools which enhance instruction will give all students access to academic success. The framework recognizes that all students vary in their motivation to learn, their ability to process information, and their ability to demonstrate understanding (Perez & Grant, 2022). Since all classrooms are filled with a diverse group of students, teachers must use options which reach all students. The options which reach all students are those which allow for multiple means of engagement with learning, multiple means of representation for information, and multiple means of expressing learning. The goal of Universal Design for Learning is to produce expert learners. This goal connects to the ISTE Standards for Students. The ISTE Standards for Students develops students to be global learners who can think critically and collaboratively.

There are digital media tools which can be used in the Universal Design for Learning framework and that help implement the ISTE Standards for Students. These tools are suggested in an ISTE article which describes multiple tools for all learners. Perez and Grant, the authors, suggest that tech tools may be used to allow diverse learners to be engaged in learning, view information in many ways, and demonstrate their understanding (Perez & Grant, 2022).

Several digital media tools were suggested in the article. These tools meet the expectations of the Universal Design for Learning framework.

• Nearpod is an interactive app which increases student engagement through its multiple tool options. Nearpod engages students because it allows students to interact with the information and with each other in a live lesson. Nearpod may also be used to provide choices for multiple means of representation of information and the expression of learning.
• Plickers is a student-response system which uses student cards and a teacher device. The teacher device records the student responses to a teacher-made quiz. The Plickers cards engage students and capture their attention. The use of Plickers also gives students an additional way to express their understanding. The Plickers tool can be used for students who may have barriers to learning expression.
• WeVideo gives students a video option for expressing their learning through video. Some students struggle with demonstrating their learning through writing. Therefore, multiple means of expression are needed. Students may use video to creatively show their knowledge.
• Audacity to record audio which causes students to organize their thoughts and create concise responses to a learning task. As teachers are willing to use multiple expressions for learning, Audacity may be used for stories, or podcasts to show student work. Also, Audacity may be used with older students who have an interest in music or music editing.
• The OneNote Web Clipper extension allows the user to save articles to their OneNote account for future access. The tool allows the user to have multiple means of representation. These multiple options can be used to accommodate the needs of the learner. The OneNote Web Clipper allows students to view a clutter-free version of an online article and save their article to OneNote. Then, tools such as highlighting and Immersive Reader may be used to comprehend the article.
• The TextHelp Read&Write extension helps support students with reading information, understanding vocabulary, conducting research, and editing their work. The tool gives multiple ways for the learner to approach information such as providing access to language and symbols. One strength Text Help Read & Write is that also provides text-to-speech, translation, a picture dictionary, and highlighting.

Reference:

Perez, L., & Grant, K. (2022, February 9).30+ Tools for diverse learners. ISTE. https://www.iste.org/explore/Toolbox/30-tools-for-diverse-learners