Using multiple media for communication is a universal design for learning (UDL) guideline that supports multiple means of action and expression. The UDL guidelines were developed by an organization called CAST. This article will explore how teachers and other educators can encourage learners to express what they know using a variety of media.
Using multiple media for communication in Universal Design for Learning
Some assignments require learners to use a specific type of media. For example, language arts classes require learners to write essays formatted in specific ways. Similarly, journalism courses require students to become proficient creating news stories in:
- Print or digital publications
- Radio
- Television
In other words, teachers assess not only the content of learners’ assignments, but learners’ use of required media.
On the other hand, most subjects do not specify the type of media learners should use to respond to assignments. For example, learners may solve math problems using:
- Equations
- Charts or graphs
- Sentences
- Making and moving models
In short, learners can use multiple media to communicate.
Teachers can use many strategies to encourage multiple media for communication. For instance, teachers can allow learners to choose the media they will use to complete an assignment, with options such as:
- Speaking
- Music
- Dance
Likewise, teachers can invite learners to write in different formats, including:
- Storyboards
- Articles
- Responses in a discussion forum online
Similarly, learners might use forms of visual art, such as:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Sculpting
Alternatively, learners could express themselves in multi-media formats, such as:
- Presentations
- Videos
- Animations
- Comic strips
- Social media posts
However, all these options for every assignment might overwhelm both teachers and learners. Therefore, teachers might invite learners to choose from three (3) of these options. For example, a teacher might ask learners to develop an argument in a:
- Poem
- Presentation
- Video
As a result, use of multiple media, and observation of classmates’ work, will expose learners to a variety of ways they can creatively express themselves and engage others.