Principle of Action and Expression - Guideline 2 - Criterion 2

Universal Design for Learning

Principle of Action and Expression - Guideline 2 - Criterion 2

When developing a course using the second principle of Universal Design for Learning, there are three specific guidelines to assist us.  The second, Expression and Communication, focuses on how learners effectively communicate and express their knowledge. 

Criterion 2 of this guideline advocates that we use multiple tools for construction and composition.

Avoid focusing too much on traditional tools while ignoring current tools.  Educational institutions tend to favor traditional forms to composition, such as writing research papers, while not staying current to contemporary trends in digital environments. Restricting learners to ‘old school’ techniques does not prepare them for the future, but instead restricts their learning and the range of teaching methods that you can adopt.  It also bars many students from succeeding. 

For example: Many educational institutions have policies baring cell phones, however their narrow conception of mobile devices does a disservice to students.  For the most part a standard smartphone has more computing power than the computers used to navigate the Apollo 8 mission to the moon.  The student’s device is more of a microcomputer that can receive phone calls than a telephone.  Moreover, smartphones are the primary means of access for a disproportionately higher number of non-whites and lower income Americans.  Many students have to choose between a smartphone or a laptop, and select the former for easier access, better safety, and affordability. To adopt policies that discriminate against mobile devices effectively targets these groups.  It also send the message that the school would rather be antiquated than adopt new technology.

Professionals have to stay current with the tools of their trade, and developing learning environments should prepare the learners instead of provide a skill in an archaic behavior.

When developing a learning environment, be sure to consider:

• Encourage mobile devices and non-traditional tools
• Provide spellcheckers and grammar checkers
• Encourage outline tools and concept mapping tools
• Use web applications
• Provide computer aided design and notation software

By following these suggestions, your course will assist students communicating and expressing their knowledge, as well as being in line with the Principle of Action and Expression in the Theory of Universal Design for Learning.