So far I have been really enjoying this class. This week we learned about UDL (universal design for learning), UdB (understanding by design), and the ADDIE model/framework for education. I personally found UDL and UdB to be the most interesting.

UDL is a framework that aims to replace the traditional “one size fits all” education, it has 3 main requirements for lessons; 1. multiple means of representation, 2. multiple means of engagement, and 3. multiple means of expression and action. Multiple means of representation calls for the content to be taught in different ways as learners don’t learn the same way. Students should have access to many different forms of the content (Auditory, visual, physical, etc). Multiple means of engagement calls for lessons to tap into the students interests and adapt the difficulty to keep the motivation/engagement high. Multiple means of expression is an extremely important part of UDL, students should have control over how they are assessed and how they express their knowledge. This makes so much sense as every student has strengths and weaknesses, and should be assessed in a way that they can best express the information. An example of this would be instead of making all the students write an essay students should be able to choose from options like art, slideshow, essay, poster, and verbal presentations. https://a11y.canada.ca/en/universal-design-for-learning-udl/ . Here is a podcast on UDL that I found to be really good! https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/udl-equity/

The UdB is a backward design framework that helps teachers plan effective lessons by starting at the end and working backwards. The UdB has 3 stages; 1. Identify desired results, 2. determine acceptable evidence, and 3. plan learning experiences. I really liked this framework, it makes sense and I will definitely be using it in the future!!! https://www.edutopia.org/sites/default/files/resources/stw-normal-park-normal-understanding-by-design.pdf

We also learned how to use AI to create lessons, assessments, and units that incorporate these frameworks and models. This was great and is something I will definitely continue to use!