Embedded Files
Introduction
Technology that is reviewed in this repository include: Draw.io, EdPuzzle, Gimkit, Google Jamboard, Jeopardy Labs, Nearpod, Padlet, Purpose Games, Quizlet, and Visible Body. Of these resources, I have previously used to some extent all tools except Draw.io, Gimkit, and Nearpod in my teaching. While completing this repository, it has not only allowed me to take a deeper dive into these technological resources, but also critically review them as classroom tools and determine how they integrate into universal design for learning (UDL) principles.
UDL is a pedagogy strategy that allows the focus on learner centric teaching instead of curriculum based teaching and considers the variability of all types of learners. The UDL principles are based on scientific research about how the brain learns and incorporates networks that integrate that research into learner centric guidelines including representation (the what of learning), engagement (the why of learning), and action and expression (the how of learning). A more detailed explanation of UDL including applications to pedagogy can be found in the free online UDL textbook.
Technology can be incorporated into two types of applications: students as consumers of the product and as producers with the product. In this review, the following resources are primarily discussed as students as consumers (Visible Body, EdPuzzle, Google Jamboard, Jeopardy Labs, Quizlet, Gimkit, and Purpose Games) and as students as producers (Draw.io, Nearpod, and Padlet); however, several of these resources can be used as both avenues for learning depending on the context it is used.
Website Navigation
Each of the technology tools is analyzed on a separate page, which can be accessed from the black navigation bar at the top of each page from the Home drop down menu. On each page you will find a screen shot of the technology tool in the banner, the tool logo and URL link to the site, an overview description and cost for the tool, a video demonstration of the tool and how it can be used as a teaching tool, an analysis of how the tool fits UDL principles, a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of the uses of the tool in higher education, how the tool can be used in the curriculum including an example, a comparison to other similar tools, and my reflection of the pros and cons of this tool for use in my higher education anatomy and physiology classes.
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