NCTE 2024

“Technology for teaching” encompasses so much. Word-processors, interactive websites, social media, learning management systems, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence – and more. Teachers are pressed to know their learners, design effective environments for learning, provide formative and summative assessment, encourage learners to create digitally – and meet learning objectives on their curriculum. We want to be sure that our teaching is culturally relevant, giving all learners options to see people like themselves in material and activities.
Universal Design for Learning encourages teachers, curriculum designers, and technology specialists to design learning environments to meet the needs of all learners. Designing with learners’ cultural, physical, and intellectual differences in mind before the class starts, not just adapting while teaching, is the most effective approach. Technology tools, chosen thoughtfully, can also help us add culturally responsive universal design elements.
This talk will give examples of ways that we can use universal design for learning as a framework and technology as a tool for creating culturally relevant learning environments. Participants will be asked to reflect on key questions during the talk and to share with others. An annotated resource list will give teachers help in moving forward, using technology effectively in designing learning environments that are welcoming to all.