Web 2.0 and UDL in a
Web-Enhanced Classroom
Adam Johnson
EDU 210
Fall 2015
-
1. Khan Academy
3 -
2. Mentimeter
5 -
3. Google Docs
7 -
References
9
Khan Academy
What is it?
Khan Academy is an online learning tool aimed at providing knowledge about many different subjects for free. It does this through the use of video tutorials of the subject as well as user practice of the ideas taught in the videos.
How can I use this in my classroom?
There are many ways this can be used both inside and outside of the classroom. In the classroom, you can use it as a secondary teacher; a way to either introduce your students to a subject in a different way or to help reinforce the lesson in class. Outside of the classroom, it can be used as a tutor for ideas or concepts that the student needs more time with.
How does this support UDL?
Since the content is both free to access and utililzes both video/audio content for teaching and space for practice of the concepts taught, it allows for anyone with a basic understanding of the internet (navigation of websites, mouse handing abilities, etc.) to have access to the videos. As well, since there is an interactive transcript on many of the videos, it allows students with hearing impairments to follow along with what the video is teaching.
Are there any requirements to sign up?
You can access most, if not all of the content on the website without an account, but if you would like to track your progress, you do need a free account. The only restriction on the account is that you haven't been removed from the website for harassment prior to your signup, and that you are either 13 years or older, or have consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Mentimeter
What is it?
Mentimeter is a polling site that allows a presenter to create questions and allows anyone with the question ID to answer them in real time using a internet-connected device.
How can I use this in my classroom?
Mentimeter can be used to ask questions to the class, either multiple choice questions, association or word cloud questions, or vote-scale questions, and allow them to answer quickly in order to get a good sense of where students are with the material. It can also track trends, to see how students are advancing with the material, and it can track which student answered which question, allowing the teacher to focus their attention on teaching the student what is required.
How does this support UDL?
Doing in-class activities with Mentimeter allows those students who may have a fear of public-speaking to also have a voice. It also allows the teacher to get information from all students, because students may find it easier to answer the question through this method then my raising their hand and having all eyes on them. It also lets the students who don't want to look foolish to answer the question without stigma, even if they get it wrong.
Are there any requirements to sign up?
To be able to participate in the voting, all that is required is a web-connected device; a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, etc. To create the polls, you have to sign up on the website, which collects no personal data and is open to all who have an e-mail address.
Google Docs
What is it?
Google Docs is a free, online text editor that allows for basic formatting of text, collaboration with peers, and easy export and printing of documents.
How can I use this in my classroom?
Google Docs is a powerful tool that allows a teacher to create and post assignments, information, lecture notes, fill in the blank tests, etc, and have their students either print off a copy of the document and fill it in, or allows a single student, or a group of students, the ability to modify the document and hand it in that way.
How does this support UDL?
Students can work together both at school and at home, collaborating on the homework assignment in a time and place that feels the most comfortable for them. This allows students to work on group activities on their own time, when they feel they can put the most effort into the work.
Are there any requirements to sign up?
You must have a Google account in order to use Google Docs.
References:
Khan Academy,. (2015). Khan Academy. Retrieved 25 October 2015, from http://khanacademy.org
Mentimeter.com,. (2015). Mentimeter - Turn opinions into tangible data, in real-time. Retrieved 25 October 2015, from http://mentimeter.com
Google.ca,. (2015). Google. Retrieved 25 October 2015, from http://google.ca