In order to better target the staff’s needs Kim St. John, staff development teacher, and Tim Dixon, media specialist, first developed a survey to identify preferred UDL topics then created videos demonstrating the strategies/tools identified – using free screencasting tools. School staff could then access the videos from anywhere in the school and learn individually, as a group or come to a face to face session delivered in the media center. Follow up included lesson support and guidance to document and reflect on implementation through observation and taking photos. They then shared and celebrated success throughout the school via emails and shout outs.
Staff feedback was very positive. Staff indicated improvement in their work practices “I feel more empowered to individually assist students with choices that will enhance their learning,” with learning new tools, “learning new tools with Chrome,” and from peer observations “reinforces the importance of using complimentary strategies such as explanatory devices and images.”
I love this creative way of taking what we already know - “one size” does not fit all from our work with students to our work with staff. I have included a couple of summary slides that Kim and Tim developed to present at the McDaniel UDL conference last fall. Thanks so much to Tim and Kim for sharing their idea and work! If anyone has moved in this direction with their professional development please post a comment and share your thoughts and ideas!