Besides curb cuts, there are many examples of universal design in engineering. Choose an example of universal design in engineering and explain how it can be used as inspiration for a learning design.
Engineers have used universal design to increase inclusivity in our diverse society by using visuals to explain aspects of our world. We may not even realize it, but visuals are being used all around us, to educate and keep us safe. Traffic signs, warning signs, and even informational signs, use visuals to inform us of important information. These signs can be designed for people with diverse learning needs who may not be able to read, or those who don’t read or speak English, but they benefit everyone by making information clear and reducing the cognitive load needed to process that information. Traffic signs are seen often, even by those not driving, and most of them do not include written words. A silhouette of a person walking inside a yellow diamond means there’s a crosswalk, or that pedestrians are crossing. Whether or not they can read, or speak English, this traffic sign informs everyone that they need to yield to pedestrians. It is universal and beneficial to all. The same is true with warning labels. Most people know that if a product has a yellow triangle with a skull on it, it is poisonous, and they shouldn’t eat or drink it. This helps everyone, even those who don’t have diverse needs. Location signs will usually include maps or visuals in case people can’t read the writing, but even people who can read the writing will often look at the map because it is easier to understand. Having these kinds of supports in our world makes important information accessible to everyone. These supports are also very beneficial when teaching. Adding visuals like pictures, diagrams, videos, and even physical, tangible materials or examples to your instruction not only helps students with diverse learning needs understand the lesson but can also benefit the entire class by helping them process the information in a different way, reducing the cognitive load needed to process written or oral instruction. Adding visuals in the classroom introduces multiple means of representation (CAST, 2018). Showing pictures of each step of a science experiment or doing a visual experiment in front of students as they follow along, rather than just writing or explaining each step, are great examples of this. Adding multiple means of representation to a lesson also allows students to show their learning in multiple ways, including visually. Allowing students to have multiple means of action and expression allows them to show their learning their way, removing the barrier of fitting into one specific mold to be successful (CAST, 2018). Students can show their math understanding in whichever way works best for them: pictures, writing, numbers, etc. You can also use visuals to engage students. Students build their knowledge upon the knowledge they already have, so using visuals from shows or movies that the students like engages them in a whole different way than using visuals that have no relevance to them. Using visuals of different Pokémon to help students learn math will be more engaging than using circles or other shapes. Visuals are a very important part of universal design and a great way to include everyone in the classroom.
Connecting to Peers:
I enjoyed reading Natalie’s blog post about universal design and ways that you can make learning accessible for everyone in the classroom. In her post, she discussed that having open and movable classrooms is very important for the functionality of learning, and storing materials where students can access them provides freedom and autonomy. I strongly agree that these universal designs create a space in the classroom where all students can benefit and learn.
This idea reminded me of when I was a teacher on call in a classroom where the teacher was in a wheelchair. Everything in the room was lowered and stored where she could reach it in her wheelchair. This not only helped her but allowed her students the freedom to access materials for learning. The classroom was also very open to allow her to move around with her wheelchair, but it also allowed students lots of room to move around and collaborate. These design choices were made to support her, but all students also could benefit from these choices, showing the power of universal design. Natalie’s Post
Citation:
CAST (2018). The UDL guidelines. UDL. https://udlguidelines.cast.org/
July 2, 2023 at 11:03 am
Hi Ayden,
I really like how you touched on how it is important to allow students means to be able to show their thinking or understanding in a way that works for them. Giving them multiple ways to show this only increases the likelihood that they will succeed, which is the goal of every teacher. I can remember during my time in classrooms there were times where I thought it would be best for everyone to complete a task the same way. Those didn’t always go to plan, someone would be upset or confused. When I showed them multiple ways and allowed them to pick and choose what worked for them, that’s where I really saw success.
Have you had an experience like that during your time in classrooms?
July 2, 2023 at 11:51 am
Hi Ayden,you have a very interesting idea. I really enjoyed reading your article on the use of visuals in Universal Design and its application to learning design. It’s fascinating how engineers use visuals like traffic signs and warning labels to communicate important information in a universal and inclusive way. I completely agree that incorporating visuals into the classroom enhances understanding and engagement for all students, not just those with different learning needs. The examples you provide, such as using pictures and diagrams in science experiments, or incorporating visuals from popular shows or movies, are excellent ways to make learning more accessible and resonant. Taken together, your insights highlight the power of visuals in creating an inclusive learning environment. well done!
July 14, 2023 at 10:09 am
Hi Ayden! Thanks for sharing those examples of universal design! I completely agree that incorporating visuals like pictures, diagrams, and videos can be really helpful for learners with diverse needs. When it comes to presenting information, it’s important to make it easy to understand. For many students, translating text into meaning can be a challenge. That’s why using data visualization techniques is a great way to make content more memorable and accessible. Instead of relying solely on plain text or long tables, using modern charts, graphics, or infographics to convey the message is beneficial. However, it’s important to use visuals that are not too small, too large, or too numerous, as this can cause cognitive overload. By using data visualization effectively, teachers can help students better understand and retain the information they present.