CITES-Seeing with UDL: 10 EdTech Tools for Accessible Learning Adventures

Outline

Introduction and Overview (10 minutes)
**Content:
- Welcome and brief introduction of presenters and session objectives.
- Overview of the UDL principles (Engagement, Representation, Action & Expression) and the CITES Framework.
- Introduction to the ISTE Standards being addressed (1b, 5b, 7a) and how they tie into ensuring accessibility and inclusive digital learning.
Engagement Strategies:
- Interactive Poll: Participants will use a digital polling tool (e.g., Mentimeter) to share their current experience with UDL and CITES and which types of edtech tools they’ve already implemented. This will help tailor the session focus based on audience knowledge and needs.
- Think-Pair-Share Activity: Participants will briefly discuss with a partner how they define "accessibility" and share one example from their own practice, setting the tone for shared learning.

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2. Setting the Foundation: Understanding UDL and CITES in EdTech (15 minutes)
**Content:
- Deep dive into the core principles of UDL and CITES, explaining how each one supports inclusive learning.
- Examples of real-world applications of these frameworks in digital learning environments.
Engagement Strategies:
- Device-Based Matching Activity: Participants will use their devices to complete a quick matching activity where they pair each UDL principle and CITES component with its corresponding benefit or example.

3. Exploring the Tools: Top 10 EdTech Tools for Accessibility and Engagement (30 minutes)
**Content:
- Presentation of 10 carefully selected EdTech tools (including AI), categorized by key areas of learning (e.g., reading, math, writing, communication).
- Demonstration of how each tool supports UDL principles and aligns with the CITES Framework.
- Emphasis on ISTE Standard 1b (equitable access), 5b (designing authentic learning), and 7a (alternative demonstrations of learning).
Engagement Strategies:
Tool Try-Outs (Hands-On Exploration): Participants will be given time to explore 2-3 of the showcased tools in each category on their devices. Each group will receive a digital scavenger hunt with prompts like:
- *“Test a text-to-speech feature. How could this remove barriers in your classroom?”*
- *“Use the digital note-taking tool. How might this support diverse expression?”*
- **Group Discussion:** After exploring, participants will share key insights from their assigned tools in small groups and post their findings on a shared digital board (e.g., Padlet or Google Doc).

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4. Connecting Theory to Practice: Aligning Tools with ISTE Standards (10 minutes)
**Content:
- Case studies and scenarios demonstrating how to align UDL-aligned tools with ISTE Standards for authentic implementation.
- Specific examples will show how to integrate tools into lesson plans and units that prioritize accessibility and engagement.
Engagement Strategies:
Scenario-Based Small Group Activity: Participants will work in small groups to analyze a classroom scenario and select 2-3 tools that align with the specific ISTE standards discussed. Each group will present their rationale for the tools chosen, focusing on how they promote accessibility and inclusive practice.
Peer Feedback: Groups will provide quick peer feedback, highlighting strengths and suggesting additional uses for the selected tools.

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5. Sparking Curiosity and Student Engagement with EdTech (5 minutes)
**Content:
- Discussion on strategies for using EdTech tools to foster curiosity and student-driven learning.
- Real-life examples of how certain tools can transform student engagement and inspire inquiry-based learning.
Engagement Strategies:*
Live Demonstration & Quick Brainstorming:** Participants will see a live demo of a tool that promotes curiosity (e.g. Using ChatGPT to support writing). They will then brainstorm in pairs how they can use a similar tool to design a lesson that sparks curiosity in their own settings.

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6. Building Your Accessibility Toolkit: Implementation Planning (10 minutes)
**Content:
- Provide a digital toolkit that includes resources, step-by-step guides for using the tools presented, and links to additional UDL and CITES resources.
- Encourage participants to create an implementation plan using a digital template.
Engagement Strategies:
- Individual Reflection and Planning: Participants will complete a digital planning sheet that prompts them to select 1-2 tools they want to implement and outline how these will address specific UDL and CITES goals in their classroom.
- Share-Out and Commitment: Volunteers will share one tool they plan to implement and a specific strategy for doing so, reinforcing shared accountability and community.

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7. Q&A and Closing Reflection (10 minutes)
**Content:
- Open floor for participant questions and a facilitated discussion around challenges and opportunities when implementing UDL-aligned EdTech tools.
- Final reflections on how UDL, CITES, and ISTE Standards work together to transform digital learning for all students.
Engagement Strategies:
-Digital Reflection Activity: Using a tool like Padlet or Google Docs, participants will post a final thought or takeaway, completing the sentence: *“One way I will use UDL-aligned EdTech tools to support equity is…”
*Resource Giveaway/Contest:** A quick trivia contest related to the tools and frameworks presented (using a tool like Quizziz ) with small digital resource giveaways for the winners to boost engagement and end on a high note.

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Supporting research

https://udlguidelines.cast.org/more/research-evidence/,
King-Sears, M. E., & Johnson, T. M. (2020). Universal Design for Learning chemistry instruction for students with and without learning disabilities. Remedial and Special Education, 41(4), 207–218.,
Borup, J., Chambers, C. B., & Stimson, R. (2019a). Online teacher and on-site facilitator perceptions of parental engagement at a supplemental virtual high school. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 20(2). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v20i2.4237,
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/subtitle-B/chapter-I/part-104, https://aem.cast.org/get-started/resources/2022/audio-supported-reading--students-with-learning-disabilities-giving-voice-to-all-learners, https://aem.cast.org/get-started/resources/2020/the-potential-benefits-of-accessible-digital-learning-materials-for-students-who-are-deaf-or-hard-of-hearing, https://cites.cast.org/more/cites-framework-development-process, https://cites.cast.org/binaries/content/assets/cites/resources/cites-litreview-teaching-learning-assessment.pdf