AI for UDL
As an educator, my priority is to design a learning landscape in which all learners can grow, prosper, and thrive because they can access and interact with the materials. According to Dr. Michael Harvey, my professor of Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Enhance Universal Design for Learning (UDL) at Idaho State University’s Albion Center, UDL is a concept that is based on three principles:
Engagement - learners co-construct the experience and track their own learning. They are in the driver’s seat on their learning journey.
Representation - learners are given various methods (videos, articles, podcasts, images) to interact with the materials
Expression - learners are given the option to use a variety of methods (video, mindmap, shared doc) for formative and summative assessment and feedback
Of the many that I am learning about in this course, here are three of my favorite AI tools that support UDL:
Microsoft Flip - learners can create expressive videos or voice messages to explain concepts and interact with each other. This will boost engagement as well as representation. This tool allows for increased expression. In my personal finance class, learners can talk us through their decision making process on a recent purchase.
Microsoft Immersive Reader - improves comprehension of text by using text to speech, translation, and picture dictionary options. In my interior design class, learners can use this tech to help them comprehend an article about Universal Design and floor plans.
ChatGPT - an AI chat bot that responds to questions. I can use a prompt such as ‘provide three high-impact UDL engagement strategies for a high school lesson focused on identifying financial goals’.
Of course there will be pros and cons to using AI tools, and I think it’s fun to try them out. I like to keep a flexible, growth mindset as I design accessible, engaging, learner-centered lessons and course materials. After all, there’s always room to grow and learn.
