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From Reading to Response: A UDL Approach to Blended Learning in ELA

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Blended Content

Recorded Session

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Session description

In this 60-minute model lesson, participants will step into the role of students, engaging in a blended ELA classroom that combines UDL strategies with hands-on activities. The lesson includes a reading task, hexagonal thinking, and a digital writing response using ShortAnswer, modeling inclusive practices for diverse learners.

Outline

Welcome and Overview (5 minutes)
* Content: Brief introduction to the session’s goals, UDL principles, and blended learning strategies.
* Engagement: Participants will share their current experiences with blended learning and UDL through a quick think-pair-share activity.
* Process: Use a quick poll or digital tool to gather participant input and set the context.

Setting the Stage: Collaborative Reading Activity (10 minutes)
*Content: Participants will engage in a reading task using accessible texts. The focus will be on providing multiple means of representation (e.g., text, audio, visuals).
*Engagement: Participants will complete a reading highlighting key ideas and adding comments on connections to their classrooms.
*Process: Use breakout discussions to encourage peer interaction on how the reading connects to UDL principles.

Hexagonal Thinking Activity (15 minutes)
*Content: Demonstrate and engage participants in a hexagonal thinking exercise that visually maps key concepts from the reading and connects them to broader themes.
*Engagement: Participants, acting as students, will create their hexagonal thinking maps in small groups using physical hexagons
*Process: Facilitate group discussions and peer feedback to explore different interpretations and promote collaboration.

Creating a Written Response and Feedback with ShortAnswer (15 minutes)
*Content: Using the online tool ShortAnswer, participants will craft a written response to a prompt based on the reading and hexagonal thinking activity.
*Engagement: Participants will submit their responses and receive immediate, individualized feedback through ShortAnswer.
*Process: Demonstrate how to set up a ShortAnswer activity for immediate, targeted feedback and guide participants through creating their responses.

Reflection and Q&A (10 minutes)
*Content: Reflect on the experience from the student and teacher perspectives, highlighting how UDL and instructional strategies were used throughout the session.
*Engagement: Participants will share insights on adapting these strategies to their classrooms.
*Process: Use a quick reflection activity to consolidate learning and encourage goal setting.

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Supporting research

UDL and Blended Learning by Katie Novak and Catlin Tucker

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Presenters

Rebecca Comninaki

ELA/Special Education Teacher

Lynchburg City Schools

Session specifications

Topic:

Universal Design For Learning

TLP:

Yes

Grade level:

6-12

Audience:

Curriculum Designer/Director, Teacher, Technology Coach/Trainer

Attendee devices:

Devices useful

Attendee device specification:

Smartphone: Android, iOS, Windows
Laptop: Chromebook, Mac, PC
Tablet: Android, iOS, Windows

Subject area:

Language Arts, Special Education

ISTE Standards:

For Educators:
Designer

Design authentic learning activities that align with educational standards and use digital tools and resources to maximize learning.

Facilitator

Foster a culture where students take ownership of their learning goals and outcomes in both independent and group settings.

For Students:
Empowered Learner

Use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.

TLPs:

Spark Curiosity