Blog


On my blog, you’ll find a wide variety of posts that explore the intersection of education, technology, and digital literacy.

I share insights and practical tips on integrating digital tools into K-12 classrooms, focusing on creating equitable learning environments for all students. You can expect to read about the latest research in digital literacy, strategies for overcoming common challenges in tech implementation, and innovative approaches to curriculum design.

I also highlight success stories from schools and educators who have effectively used digital literacy to enhance student learning, along with reviews and recommendations of educational resources and tools. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or education enthusiast, my blog provides valuable content that inspires and empowers you to make the most of digital opportunities in education.

  • Transforming Your Teaching Practice with Universal Design for Learning

    Transforming Your Teaching Practice with Universal Design for Learning

    by Mary E. Pettit, NBCT, Ed.D In the ever-evolving landscape of education, teachers are frequently bombarded with new initiatives, strategies, and frameworks promising to enhance student learning. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and skeptical when yet another program is introduced, leading to the misconception that Universal Design for Learning (UDL),…

  • Universal Digital Literacies: A UDL Pedagogy

    Universal Digital Literacies: A UDL Pedagogy

    Universal Digital Literacies (UDLs) within the framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) refer to the inclusive and accessible skills, practices, and competencies required for individuals to effectively engage with, create, and critically evaluate digital content across diverse contexts and platforms. These literacies are designed to accommodate a wide range…

  • Workshop Offerings

    Workshop Offerings

    🌟 Exciting News for Educators! 🌟 I’m thrilled to announce my newest workshops focused on Universal Digital Literacy Solutions for K-12 students! These sessions are designed specifically for teachers and administrators, offering informative, interactive, and inspirational experiences. In these workshops, you can expect: Engaging Content: I’ll cover essential digital literacy…

  • Enhancing Educational Outcomes: School-Public Library Partnerships

    Enhancing Educational Outcomes: School-Public Library Partnerships

    Downloadable Research, resources, strategies, and templates The collaboration between public schools and public libraries is a powerful way to enhance educational outcomes, foster literacy, and ensure equitable access to resources. Whether you’re an educator, librarian, or policymaker, understanding how these partnerships work can guide you in creating more effective, student-centered…

  • Guidelines for Library-School Partnerships: 

    Guidelines for Library-School Partnerships: 

    A Step-by-Step Guide Forming effective partnerships between public libraries and public schools can enhance students’ learning experiences and help bridge the digital divide. Here’s a 10 step-by-step guide to building successful collaborations. Step 1: Establish Shared Goals The foundation of a successful partnership lies in shared objectives. Both libraries and…

  • Empowering Young Minds: How 4th Graders Embraced Audiobooks, Journaling, and Sharing Their Work

    Empowering Young Minds: How 4th Graders Embraced Audiobooks, Journaling, and Sharing Their Work

    In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, finding new and innovative ways to engage students is essential. Today, I had the pleasure of witnessing a remarkable shift in a group of 4th graders who embraced a combination of audiobooks, journaling, and peer-sharing to enhance their learning experience. What started as a simple…

  • Bridging the Digital Divide with Dr. Mary E. Pettit: 2024 Tour

    Bridging the Digital Divide with Dr. Mary E. Pettit: 2024 Tour

    🚀 Exciting News! 🚀I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming Educational Consultancy Tour! 🎓✨ I’ll be traveling to share insights on digital literacy, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and project-based learning at conferences across the country. 📚🔍 Stay tuned for updates, keynote highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments as I bring my passion…

  • NETP 2024 download

    NETP 2024 download

    Since the Office of Educational Technology issued A Call to Action for Closing the Digital Access, Design, and Use Divides in January 2024, many districts have been exploring innovative approaches to effectively integrate educational technology using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. UDL is a framework that designs learning experiences…

  • Cultivating Teacher Capacity for Closing the Digital Design Divide

    Cultivating Teacher Capacity for Closing the Digital Design Divide

    How can district and school leaders cultivate teacher and administrative capacity to empower educators to effectively implement UDL in their classrooms? By applying these UDL-aligned strategies, education leaders and administrators can cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth among teachers. This, in turn, will empower educators to confidently…

  • UDL PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT #5

    UDL PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT #5

    Incorporating audiobooks as a Universal Digital Literacy option (using a UDL framework) can be a valuable approach to enhance accessibility and inclusivity. Here’s how the elements of an audiobook can be leveraged within UDL: Accessibility Considerations: Personalization and Customization: By integrating the anatomy of an audiobook into a UDL framework,…

  • UDL PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT #4

    UDL PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT #4

    The Dangers of a Digital Divide According to the 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (NETP), the digital divide is a critical issue that aligns with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. It refers to the gap between individuals and communities who have access to modern information and communication technologies and…

  • Top 7 EdTech Tools: How UDL & Digital Technologies Can Bridge the Digital Divide

    Top 7 EdTech Tools: How UDL & Digital Technologies Can Bridge the Digital Divide

    Dear Fellow UDL-ers, Before you scroll through the edtech tools and resources that support UDL guidelines, can you guess what I rated the #1 edtech tool? I can not promote all of these edtech tools enough but I caution educators to consider their use in an engaging plan to promote…

  • UDL PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT #3

    UDL PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT #3

    Mary E. Pettit, NBCT, Ed.D, May 23, 2024 Ideas for Using Audiobooks as Part of a Universal Digital Literacy Design In line with Universal Design for Learning, incorporating audiobooks is an effective way to provide multiple means of representation and support diverse literacy needs in grades 3-5. The use of…

  • UDL Public Service Announcement #2

    Mary E. Pettit, NBCT, Ed.D, May 22, 2024 6 Barriers to Teaching & Learning Barrier #1: Standardized Testing Standardized testing has long been criticized for its tendency to create barriers to learning and perpetuate inequities within the education system. One of the key issues with standardized testing is its narrow…

  • UDL PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT #1

    UDL PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT #1

    May 21, 2024, Mary Pettit, NBCT, Ed.D Just as one would not expect to magically become healthier or lose weight by simply buying and stocking our refrigerators full of fruits and veggies, we MUST rethink the way we simply acquire audiobooks for our classroom libraries, display them on shelves, and…

  • Debunking the Myths: It’s Time to Unveil the Truth About Audiobooks & Break Down Barriers to Learning!

    Debunking the Myths: It’s Time to Unveil the Truth About Audiobooks & Break Down Barriers to Learning!

    May 21, 2024 by Dr. Mary E. Pettit There are several misconceptions about using audiobooks as a way to consume written content: False, False, False! If you model how to listen and journal, amazing things will happen! ~Dr. Mary E. Pettit, 5th Grade Teacher & Advocate of Universal Digital Literacy…

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