Our Interactive Learning Resource titled “Understanding Sleep” will utilize the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is a framework that accommodates students with diverse learning needs. It uses the following principles (“Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (UDL)”, 2024):
- The means of representation: The application of different media formats (text, audio, or video).
- The means of action and expression: The ability to express learned knowledge differently.
- The means of engagement: The ability for teaching content to be engaged by learners differently.
Each principle plays an important part in the presentation of the Interactive Learning Resource. In this post, I will discuss principles one in more detail.
The Means of Representation
Our Interactive Learning Resource will use different media formats on our website. Our provided resources will be a mix of video content (ex. “What is Sleep? REM Cycles, Melatonin, and Sleep Stages”), scholarly articles, and images (illustrations, infographics, etc.). Each media format ensures that an individual who is impaired either visually or by hearing, will have access to information presented on the Interactive Learning Resource.
The Means of Action and Expression
Our learning activities encourage students to express their knowledge about sleep differently. For example, one learning activity is a jigsaw group activity. In this activity, the teacher provides a subtopic to the group about sleep. The group will discuss and familiarize with the topic. Eventually, each group will have five minutes to present their knowledge to the class. Another way of expressing knowledge to the class is by analyzing sleeping data. Students will collect data on their sleeping patterns and provide an evaluation based on that data.
Conclusion
UDL allows accessibility to a diverse student population. Because of the asynchronous and remote format, UDL is an effective method for inclusivity.
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