Peer Response: Alexandra

Hey, your piece on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) brilliantly showcases its proactive essence, which is building flexible pathways, so students thrive from day one. Your story of swapping a final test for an assignment under multiple means of engagement perfectly illustrates how choice fuels confidence and success. It’s a vivid reminder that the “what,” “how,” and “why” of learning can bend to fit us and not the other way around. Your evolution with asynchronous learning is equally compelling. I see that you were struggling in high school, then mastering online courses amid COVID and even while backpacking Europe in 2024 which reveals profound adaptability. Most of all I like the fact that you stated that whether synchronous or async, learning demands deliberate time and intention. Blending formats has clearly enriched your toolkit. I have also used async learning a lot in my major which is Computer Science. There is a big gap in the knowledge demanded by the companies and what is taught in school, so you have no other choice but to take matters in your own hands. On interaction, your emphasis on group accountability, open communication, and virtual office hours offers a blueprint for connection in digital spaces. Presence isn’t automatic online but with effort, it’s achievable and vital I believe.