gotLearning and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Colleen Dawson
(They/She)
B.A., B.ED., PBDE.

Winnipeg School Division, Winnipeg, Canada

UDL is a framework for designing learning environments that are accessible, engaging, and effective for all learners, regardless of their abilities or needs. gotLearning‘s platform supports UDL by providing teachers with a range of tools and resources that allow them to capture, analyze, and interpret data and evidence about student learning. These tools and resources can be used to support the implementation of UDL principles int he classroom. gotLearning aligns with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in several ways.Some explicit and concrete examples include:

• Multiple means  of representation: gotLearning‘s platform allows teachers to provide students with multiple means of representation, such as visual, auditory, and written forms of feedback. This allows students with different learning styles and abilities to access and understand the feedback provided.
• Multiple means of expression: gotLearning‘s platform allows teachers to provide students with multiple means of expression, such as allowing them to choose the format or mode in which they respond to feedback or demonstrate their learning. This allows students to engage in the learning process in a way that is most meaningful and effective for them.
• Multiple means of engagement: gotLearning's platform allows teachers to provide students with multiple means of engagement, such as offering choices in the learning tasks or activities they complete. This allows students to actively participate in their own learning and to feel motivated and engaged in the process.
  

• Personalized learning plans: gotLearning‘s platform allows teachers to develop personalized learning plans for each student based on the data and evidence collected about their learning. This can involve providing students with choices in how to demonstrate their learning and collaborating with other teachers and educational specialists to support the learning of all students.

To further explain to teachers how gotLearning aligns with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), you could highlight the following points:

• gotLearning‘s platform provides teachers with a range of tools and resources that allow them to capture, analyze, and interpret data and evidence about student learning. This can help teachers better understand the needs and expectations of each student and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly.
• gotLearning‘s platform supports the implementation of UDL principles in the classroom by providing teachers with multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement. This allows students with different learning needs and abilities to access  and understand the feedback provided, to engage in the learning process in a way that is most meaningful and effective for them, and to actively participate in their own learning.
• gotLearning‘s platform promotes collaboration and support among teachers by providing them with a platform to share best practices and strategies that incorporate UDL principles. This can help teachers work together to create more inclusive and equitable learning environments that meet the needs of all students.

To incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) into gotLearning, teachers can:

1.    Capture data and evidence about each student’s learning using a variety of methods that are accessible to all students. For example, teachers can use gotLearning‘s platform to provide students with multiple means of representation, such as visual, auditory, and written forms of feedback. This allows students with different learning styles and abilities to access and understand the feedback provided.

2.    Analyze the data and evidence collected using UDL principles to ensure that all students are included and supported in the learning process. For example, teachers can use gotLearning‘s platform to provide students with **multiple means of expression**, such as allowing them to choose the format or mode in which they respond to feedback or demonstrate their learning. This allows students to engage in the learning process in a way that is most meaningful and effective for them.

3.    Interpret the data and evidence using UDL principles to develop personalized learning plans for each student. For example, teachers can use gotLearning‘s platform to provide students with **multiple means of engagement**, such as offering choices in the learning tasks or activities they complete. This allows students to actively participate in their own learning and to feel motivated and engaged in the process.

4.    Provide students with choices in how to demonstrate their learning using UDL principles to ensure that all students have access to the same opportunities. For example, teachers can use gotLearning‘s platform to provide students with **multiple means of representation,** such as allowing them to choose the format or mode in which they present their learning. This allows students to demonstrate their learning in a way that is most meaningful and effective for them.

5.    Collaborate with other teachers and educational specialists using UDL principles to ensure that all students are included and supported in the learning process. For example, teachers can use gotLearning‘s platform to share best practices and strategies that incorporate UDL principles, and to receive feedback and guidance from other educators on how to effectively implement UDL in their classrooms. This allows teachers to work together to support the learning of all students, regardless of their individual abilities and needs.
 

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Dawson, Colleen. “UDL and gotLearning.” gotLearning. Reproduced with permission of Growth Over Time Learning (gotLearning). © 2023 gotlearning. All rights reserved. Available at www.gotlearning.com