Classroom Dynamics: Reflecting on Week 4 (UDL and AI)

Reflecting on this past week of class, one main aspect was highlighted for me. I did not realise that there would be such a difference in my initial lesson plan, compared to the revised plan, which included the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. One would think that every plan or learning would include various avenues for every type of learning to explore; however, this is not the case. Standard learning has always been: listen to the teacher as they teach from a textbook, read the textbook, do work out of it, and then take a test on it. I now know that this style has only been recently revised, as UDL is a very modern and progressive concept.

The UDL framework sparked a thought: I know I can use UDL as a teacher; however, how can I apply UDL to be helpful to myself right now as a student? This blog is a great place to apply these skills, as I utilize multimedia, provide descriptive and reflective feedback, offer context for new concepts, carefully organize my work, and communicate clearly with my peers and instructor. I have noticed through my years at Uvic (starting my undergrad in 2021) that professors have slowly adapted this framework as well in their syllabi.

https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/inclusiveteaching/universal-design-for-learning/checklist/

Outlined above is the UDL criteria, which professors may use when creating their course outlines. Moreover, teachers who effectively and efficiently use UDL in their classes are automatically nominated to receive an award for inclusivity and inclusion. (https://www.uvic.ca/faculty-staff/academics-research/awards-honours/reach-awards/inclusive-innovative-course-design/index.php)

As we have learned about AI, I was curious about how I can implement UDL into my lesson plans without feeling overwhelmed. As I researched and completed these past assignments, I have realised that GenAI can be used as a tool to help me create an inclusive future classroom. I can generate ideas on how to alter an assignment based on an students Individualized Learning Plan, simply by inputting the information into an AI generator and adding what I want it to do with it. GenAI and UDL, therefore, are interconnected and synergystic.