By Kavita Rao and Cary Torres

You've probably seen the lists of technology tools you can use in your classroom.  They can be mind-boggling! The question is what can you do with the tools to use them meaningfully for teaching and learning? Start by looking at the core features of the tool and considering its fit for your task.

Resist the urge to use tech tools just for the sake of the tool, especially if it is a new technology for students.

  • Less can be more!  You don't need a huge range of different tools.
  • Start with tools you and the students are already familiar with: there are probably some technology tools, apps, or platforms you've used in class that can be useful.
  • Technology can be a helpful tool for closed schools, but focus on teaching and learning and maintaining relationships, not just what tech to use (low tech might be better!).
  • Consider what you want to accomplish and how you can do that remotely/online.

Ways to Use Digital Tools

Technology can be used for the following purposes

Teachers can: Students can:
  1. Create content
  2. Share content that has already been developed
  3. Interact with students
  4. Manage and organize your online instruction
  5. Provide multiple options for students to learn information and demonstrate what they know
  1. Learn content from digital resources (textbooks, websites, online curricula)
  2. Complete activities using productivity software and apps
  3. Submit assignments
  4. Interact with peers and with teachers
  5. Use assistive features to support their learning

Delivering Instruction Online

For online instruction, it's important to think about how to use technology to deliver instruction.  You can blend these two modes to give students the opportunity to work on their own and to connect with you and their peers:

Connect Together (Synchronous)

Technology allows us to meet and connect online.  Synchronous tools include meeting spaces like Zoom and Google Hangout, and collaborative tools that you can work on together online, like Google Docs.

Work Independently (Asynchronous)

There are many ways we can use technology asynchronously. Students can work on their own time and pace, independently using the digital environment to download assignments and resources, explore content, and complete assignments.  Some asynchronous tools include Google Classroom and Seesaw.

Technology and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning emphasizes 3 principles for designing instruction that can be very useful in online learning: Providing multiple means of Engagement, Action and Expression and Representation.

Download the full UDL guidelines from CAST's website.

Digital Tools which allow you to Consider UDL Online

When teaching online, you can use technology to provide these options. Some important things to take into consideration: as you plan for online instruction, start by thinking about the chunk of instruction (see Online Lesson Design Worksheet) you are working on and how you will use technology in the ways describe above (as a teacher, for the student, and for delivering instruction online.

These fact sheets describe how to integrate various digital tools into your online lessons, taking into consideration the learner variability of your students.  Check out how various digital tools can be used to support students with disabilities and language learners in your classroom. Each fact sheet provides a list of digital tools, describes what it does, how you can use it for an online lesson, and its alignment to the UDL guidelines.

  • Digital Tools for Engagement
  • Digital Tools for Representation
  • Digital Tools for Action and Expression

Each fact sheet includes this information:

Digital Tool What You Can Do Ideas for Use Online UDL Connections
Types and examples of digital tools Consider the core features and functions of the tool.

Consider how this tool can be used in ways that best supports learners.

 Consider when and how to use the tool for delivery (for example, can students work independently with this digital tool or is it something you can connect with). Connections to the UDL Guidelines and Checkpoints.

Consider Student Safety and Confidentiality

It is essential to take student safety and confidentiality into account when using digital tools that share student images, videos, or personal information.  Be aware of your school or district media consent policies and do not share images or videos of students without appropriate parental consents and permissions. Student photos and videos should not be shared publicly without appropriate consents.

Video conferencing can provide a valuable connection between teacher and students and among students; be mindful of issues related to students being on or sharing images of their homes.  In particular, students who are undocumented could be put at unnecessary risk by sharing information about their homes.

Citation: Rao, K. & Torres, C. (2020). Technology and UDL. https://schoolvirtually.org