UDL Critique of Existing Technology Assignment

Sarah Orme
EDIS 7010
University of Virginia

Rationale: I chose to analyze Prezi, an online presentation program, to identify how it does, and does not,
meet the rigorous UDL criteria.

Needs
Criteria Unacceptable Meets Criteria
Improvement
Prezi presentations are
capable of meeting the
UDL guidelines of
representation if the
designer makes it a
priority. The design
Technology aligns with UDL options provided make
guidelines of representation: meeting these guidelines
a possibility because
presentations can
incorporate various
content, which allow for
multiple means of
representation.
Prezi allows for
different modalities to
present the same
information because of
Perception
the various content that
can be incorporated, like
pictures, movies, and
songs.
Because the creator
determines what content
is implemented in a
Prezi presentation, it is
fairly easy to make sure
that vocabulary, syntax,
Language, expression
text, and language is
and symbols
clear and presented with
diverse media. This can
be done by using a pre-
created template or
designing a base
template.
There are many
different tutorials for
Comprehension
how to create Prezi
presentations, which
 help to inform users
about ways to
display information.
However, it does not
necessarily activate
background
information in
regards to designing
presentations or
directly explain how
Prezi presentations
can help with
transfer of
knowledge.
Prezi allows for the
designer to build a
presentation that the
users can physically
interact with which also
highlights principles of
Technology aligns with UDL executive function, like
guidelines of action and goals, objectives, and
expression: questions. It is, however,
somewhat limited with
what the viewer can do
with expression and
communication,
particularly with direct
responses.
Prezi does an excellent
job of allowing for users
to manipulate the
learning materials. They
can navigate the
presentation in the order
Physical action
and speed of their
choice, and there are
various tools they can
engage with to
manipulate motion,
speed, and time.
Many of the Prezi
presentations
exemplars available
in the Prezi gallery
Expression and
are created like
communication
concept maps and
the presentation
style promotes story
webs, which helps
 communication.
However, the
interaction between
the user and the
presentation is
limited, and
unfortunately the
user has limited
ability to
communicate,
compose, or
construct content
within the
presentation.
Prezi allows for
executive functions to
be met, if the designer
chooses to make it a
priority. Goals, strategy
Executive function
development, managing
information, and
monitoring progress can
be built into a Prezi
presentation.
Prezi presentations
allow for some
interaction with
viewers through
questions and polls
created through
Slido. This
interaction,
Website aligns with UDL
however, isnt
guidelines of engagement:
seamless. Overall
Prezi presentations
could do a better job
helping creators
connect to users
through effort and
persistence, and self-
regulation.
The Prezi creator
can make the
content as
interesting as
Recruiting interest possible, however, it
tends to be a one-
size-fits all
presentation and is
consequently limited
 with the choice and
autonomy viewers
can demonstrate. It
can, however,
establish why the
content is relevant
and valuable to
viewers.
A Prezi presentation
can highlight goals,
objectives, and
challenges. It is
Sustaining effort and
limited, however, by
persistence
the feedback and
communication
participants can
engage in.
Depending on the goals
of a creator, Prezi
presentations can help
viewers understand the
expectations of the
Self-regulation
presentation and create
some types of
assessments in
emotional and
intellectual ways.

Ideas for how Prezi can better align with UDL principles:
1. Prezi can better align with the UDL principle of comprehension by having a tutorial for creators
that activates background knowledge about presentation guidelines and frequently used
technologies. Within this same tutorial, the importance of understanding how knowledge is
transferred could be addressed.
2. Prezi can better align with the UDL principle of expression and communication by creating user-
friendly feedback options for viewers to engage with presentations, including various modes of
being able to draft content beyond what is provided by the third-party Slido.
3. Prezi can better align with the UDL principle of recruiting interest by creating templates for
viewers that focus on creating learning pathways for viewers that build on the choices and
interactions of viewers. This would allow for a more individualized learning experience.
4. Prezi can better align with the UDL principle of sustaining effort and persistence by creating
easy-to-use templates for viewer feedback and communication from participants. This goes
beyond merely learning the metrics of viewers (which it currently does an effective job of) by
gathering more qualitative data.