---one that even included an e-bike adventure! E-bike means “electric motor assist” bicycle. Originally, I thought e-bikes were for the “older generation” or possibly
for people that were simply not able to ride regular bikes. In fact, I was a little hesitant
to sign up for the e-bikes because I knew that I was fully capable of riding a regular,
old-fashioned bike (without a motor). Who needed an e-bike?... Not me! Boy, was I
ever wrong!
for people that were simply not able to ride regular bikes. In fact, I was a little hesitant
to sign up for the e-bikes because I knew that I was fully capable of riding a regular,
old-fashioned bike (without a motor). Who needed an e-bike?... Not me! Boy, was I
ever wrong!
Before we started on our bike ride, we met the two other couples who would
accompany us on this day-long adventure. The first couple from Ireland looked a bit
younger and more fit than we were. The other couple from New Jersey were slightly
older and more “relaxed” than we were. After the ride, we found that the Irish couple
didn’t use the e-assist feature during their entire tour. They were in training for a
triathlon and wanted to get the best possible workout. The older couple had used
the e-assist feature on the uphill, as well as the flat areas because their goal was to
soak in lovely Alaska, not to be out of breath. My husband and I had used the “e-assist”
accompany us on this day-long adventure. The first couple from Ireland looked a bit
younger and more fit than we were. The other couple from New Jersey were slightly
older and more “relaxed” than we were. After the ride, we found that the Irish couple
didn’t use the e-assist feature during their entire tour. They were in training for a
triathlon and wanted to get the best possible workout. The older couple had used
the e-assist feature on the uphill, as well as the flat areas because their goal was to
soak in lovely Alaska, not to be out of breath. My husband and I had used the “e-assist”
only on the steep uphill but rode the bikes manually the rest of the way. We got in a little exercise while
enjoying the amazing sights. All of us were successful in our e-bike adventure using
the e-assist feature whenever and wherever we needed it. It was up to each individual
to tailor his/her experience and to get as much out of the day as possible.
the e-assist feature whenever and wherever we needed it. It was up to each individual
to tailor his/her experience and to get as much out of the day as possible.
As I started to think about this experience, I began to see some connections to
what I had learned about UDL (Universal Design Learning) last school year.
As Mike Marotta stated in his EdSurge article, “UDL consists of three guiding principles
that seek to increase engagement and accessibility: Providing learners with multiple
means of engagement; representation; and action and expression.” Engagement is
where the learner regulates their learning while sustaining interest. My husband and I
regulated our interest in biking while the e-assist feature allowed us to see more of
Alaska and help us get through some tough spots. The e-assist feature motivated
and encouraged us to enjoy and finish the bike tour. Representation focuses on
how the information is presented to the learner. Our bike guide showed us an
instructional video, demonstrated riding the bike himself, and let us practice
(for as long as we needed) in the parking lot before we attempted to go on the open road.
We had a choice of how we would best learn about our newly acquired e-biking skills.
Action and Expression refers to ways the learner can demonstrate mastery.
The six of us demonstrated our mastery by completing the whole ride, but each
did it at a different rate, cardio level, and motivation to finish. In the end,
we were all successful!
what I had learned about UDL (Universal Design Learning) last school year.
As Mike Marotta stated in his EdSurge article, “UDL consists of three guiding principles
that seek to increase engagement and accessibility: Providing learners with multiple
means of engagement; representation; and action and expression.” Engagement is
where the learner regulates their learning while sustaining interest. My husband and I
regulated our interest in biking while the e-assist feature allowed us to see more of
Alaska and help us get through some tough spots. The e-assist feature motivated
and encouraged us to enjoy and finish the bike tour. Representation focuses on
how the information is presented to the learner. Our bike guide showed us an
instructional video, demonstrated riding the bike himself, and let us practice
(for as long as we needed) in the parking lot before we attempted to go on the open road.
We had a choice of how we would best learn about our newly acquired e-biking skills.
Action and Expression refers to ways the learner can demonstrate mastery.
The six of us demonstrated our mastery by completing the whole ride, but each
did it at a different rate, cardio level, and motivation to finish. In the end,
we were all successful!
Using the UDL principles in the classroom ensures that every learner has the
opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and use their strengths to be successful.
During our e-bike adventure, we were able to demonstrate our newly acquired
e-bike riding skills and use our strengths to finish our bike tour of Alaska’s wilderness.
The outcome was the same regardless of our ages, fitness, or experience. Having
the e-assist feature available enabled all of us to successfully experience Alaska, regardless of
our abilities.
opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and use their strengths to be successful.
During our e-bike adventure, we were able to demonstrate our newly acquired
e-bike riding skills and use our strengths to finish our bike tour of Alaska’s wilderness.
The outcome was the same regardless of our ages, fitness, or experience. Having
the e-assist feature available enabled all of us to successfully experience Alaska, regardless of
our abilities.
How will you promote success for all learners?
What will be your connection to UDL?
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