Engaging students in learning is crucial for effective education outcomes. When students are actively involved and interested in the material, they are more likely to retain information, participate in discussions, and develop critical thinking skills. As stated by Gronseth and Hutchins (2020), “The UDL engagement principle presupposes that learners are engaged when they understand the why of what they are learning, and that will result in increased motivation and purpose in their learning interactions” (p. 213). With technology around us, this engagement can be fostered through various learning applications that adhere to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines, which can help accommodate diverse learner needs by providing multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement.
Quizlet
Quizlet is a popular tool for creating digital flashcards, quizzes, and study sets. Quizlet's website states, "At Quizlet, we believe that anyone can learn anything. All it takes is a tenacious spirit, the right guidance, and the tools to see it through” (n.d). Educators can use Quizlet to present information in various formats, including text, images, and audio, allowing students to study using their preferred learning modality. Quizlet's interactive quizzes and games engage students in active learning, enabling them to test their knowledge and receive immediate feedback. Strategies include encouraging students to create their own study sets, using Quizlet Live for collaborative learning activities, and integrating quizzes as formative assessments to evaluate understanding and adjust instruction accordingly.
Flip
The application's website page states, "Flip is a video discussion app, free from Microsoft, where curious minds connect, share short videos, and build community” (n.d). Educators can use Flipgrid to facilitate asynchronous video discussions where students can respond to prompts, share ideas, and interact with peers in a supportive environment. Educators can incorporate Flip by posing thought-provoking questions, assigning video responses as part of projects or discussions, and encouraging peer feedback and collaboration.
Canva
Canva helps students create visually appealing materials such as infographics, posters, and presentations accommodating diverse learning styles. As stated by Luke Edwards, “Teaching how to use Canva can be the focus of a lesson that aims to broaden the digital skills available to students. But since this is so easy to use, it will likely take very little time. Letting the students play with the options is how the deeper learning and creativity can flourish” (2024). Canva's collaborative features allow students to collaborate on projects, fostering peer interaction and cooperative learning. Strategies for educators include designing interactive presentations with embedded videos or audio clips, creating customizable templates for student projects, and encouraging students to create their own visual summaries or concept maps to demonstrate understanding.
Conclusion
Using these tools enhances engagement and supports the implementation of UDL guidelines in educational settings. By providing multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement, these applications cater to diverse learner needs and foster a more inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. Educators who integrate these tools into their teaching practices can promote active learning, creativity, and meaningful student interaction, ultimately improving learning outcomes across various subjects and grade levels.
Additional Resource
References
Flip. (n.d.). English. What is Flip and Why It’s Used in More Than 190 Countries. https://info.flip.com/en-us/about.html
Gronseth, S. L., & Hutchins, H. M. (2020). Flexibility in Formal Workplace Learning: Technology Applications for Engagement through the Lens of Universal Design for Learning. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 64(2), 211–218.
Edwards, L. (2024, May 17). What is Canva and how does it work?TechLearningMagazine. https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/what-is-canva-and-how-does-it-work-for-education
Quizlet. (n.d.). About Quizlet. https://quizlet.com/mission
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