Universal Design for Learning is a method of creating a more flexible way of learning and an environment that can reach as many students as possible. How we can reach our students is a different as the students in our classroom. As always, I take the approach from a college level instructor and what either works for me currently and I have used in the past. I believe these three apps can be used to create a more robust learning environment that meets the UDL guidelines.
Survey Planet - https://surveyplanet.com/
Engagement is the first principle of UDL. Survey Planet is a free to use survey site that allows an instructor to compose and distribute surveys based on any topic. There are multiple options for creating surveys including multiple choice, essay, ratings, scales, forms, and ranges. This allows the instructor to create different types of surveys with a mish mash of questions. I have used this personally in my classes to review the previous days (weeks) material to see what was lacking and review before moving on to the next set of topics. It works well as all responses are anonymous and students feel open to answer truthfully. Survey Planet works well as the engagement principle of UDL.
Zoom - https://zoom.us/
Representation sits in the middle of the UDL guidelines. While Zoom may not be a traditional learning app, it has become a popular app that allows us to create a more meaningful space between instructors and students. While other apps such as Kaltura or TEAMS exist and do many of the same things, Zoom is not tied to any specific platform or LMS and has many included tools that allow for more engaging online classes, such as discussions, whiteboards, chat windows, and breakout rooms. Each of these allow for different ways to present information, interact with others, and allow for clarification of topics and ideas.
Canva - https://www.canva.com/
Action and Expression represent the third principle of UDL. Canva is a presentation tool that allows its user to create a plethora of projects. It is a free graphics design program that provides thousands of templates. These templates allow the user to express themselves when creating presentations or informational slides to be presented to the class or uploaded as an assignment. The site is easy to use and has tutorials to assist the user to get the best results. Instructors can use the site to provide intros to their videos or online presentations using custom Zoom (TEAMS, Kaltura) backgrounds.
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