UDL: SHARING IDEAS,

BUILDING

RESOURCESKarry Santiago

EDUC 6714: Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through Technology

Walden University

Inspiration for UDL

Universal Design for Learning was inspired by the universal design movement in architecture.

The idea behind universal design in architecture was to create structures that are constructed and designed to accommodate the most people, including those with disabilities, without the need for other adaptations (Rose & Meyer, 2002).

Examples of Universal Design

Universal design in architecture caused changes

in the way buildings and other public areas are

designed to allow access to more people.

Ramps for individuals in wheelchairs allow building access

to not only those in wheelchairs but a mom pushing a

stroller.

Automatic door buttons open doors allowing people with

disabilities or their hands full to enter a building.

Auditory crosswalks allow blind individuals to cross the

street as well as remind distracted pedestrians to not

cross.

Three Principles of UDL

There are three principles that guide the UDL

framework that are based on neuroscience

research.

The three principles are: provide multiple

means of representation, provide multiple

means of expression, and provide multiple

means of engagement (National Center for

UDL, 2011).

Multiple Means of

Representation To provide multiple means of representation, there

are several strategies a teacher could utilize.

Teachers can provide multiple examples, highlight important information, activate prior knowledge, and provide graphic organizers (Maryland Learning Links, n.d.).

These instructional methods would allow learners to make connections between concepts they are learning.

Multiple Means of Expression

To provide multiple means of expressions, teachers need to give students options to demonstrate their knowledge.

Some instructional methods a teacher could utilize are providing scaffolding, modeling skills, and providing options for creating projects such as digital storytelling, multimedia presentation, or creating a movie (Maryland Learning Links, n.d.).

Multiple Means of Engagement

Providing multiple means of engagement, allows students to be engaged and motivated to learn.

Teachers can utilize flexible grouping, offer opportunities to share their work, use checklists for students to monitor their progress to provide opportunities for engagement (Maryland Learning Links, n.d.).

Role of Technology in UDL

While technology is not a must have, it does

make the implementation of the three principles

of UDL easier.

Examples of technology:

Digital textbooks

Tablets

Digital Storytelling

Text-to-speech

Google Drive

Wikis and blogs

Computer simulations

Cacoo/ graphic organizers

Impact of UDL on Student

Learning UDL can have a large potential impact on

student learning. All students can access curriculum in a flexible way

Provides alternatives for students

Students are able to demonstrate knowledge is a way that fits the student

Increase knowledge of technology

Increased motivation for students to learn

Reduced barriers to learning

Brain Research on Learning

Differences

According to research there are three primary

networks that are essential to learning:

recognition, strategic, and affective.

Recognition network: The “what” of learning

Strategic network: The “how” of learning

Affective network: The “why” of learning

The Three Networks:

Recognition

Recognition network: How we gather

information and categorize sounds, visuals,

and what we read (CAST, 2015).

Allows us to recognize faces, words, and voices.

The Three Networks: Strategic

Strategic network: How we organize and

express ideas (CAST, 2015).

Allows us to play games, choose an outfit, and

paint a house.

The Three Networks: Affective

Affective network: How learners get engaged

and stay motivated (CAST, 2015).

Allows us to be excited , interested, and

motivated.

Implications of Differences on

Instruction and Learning

Instruction is based upon the learners’ needs.

Instructional materials can be adapted to the learner’s requirements.

Multiple examples benefit all students.

Providing ongoing feedback helps all students determine their progress.

Accommodates different learning styles and preferences.

Allows access to materials in a student’s native language to activate prior knowledge.

Role of Technology in UDL to

Address Brain Research

Technology can play a vital role in the implementation of UDL.

Ways technology can be used: Writing tools: Google Docs, Story Jumper, Comic Master,

Wordle, Bookr

Graphic Organizers: Inspiration, Cacoo, Free Mind, Gliffy

Collaborative tools: Zoho, Delicious, Wikis, Blogs, Podcasts

Multimedia and Digital Storytelling: Voice Thread, Animoto, Kerpoof, MagicStudio

CAST Online Tools and

Resources

Strategy Tutor:

Designed to improve student’s reading comprehension

Addresses literacy skills such as web evaluation and media literacy

Students can complete web-based lessons

Teachers can revise or create on particular strategies

For grades 5 and up

CAST Online Tools and

Resources

CAST UDL Book Builder:

Teachers can create their own digital books to

support diverse learners.

View books shared

Read other user created books

Watch videos about UDL to learn more

For all ages

CAST Online Tools and

Resources

CAST Science Writer:

Helps students to write science reports.

Breaks each step of the writing process into

steps.

Helps students organize their ideas.

Sentence starters to help start the writing

process.

Text to speech available to read students writing.

References

CAST, Inc. (2015). About UDL. Retrieved from: http://www.cast.org/udl/index.html

Maryland Learning Links (n.d.) UDL Case Study: Instructional Methods. Retrieved from:

http://marylandlearninglinks.org/1026

National Center on Universal Design for Learning. (2011, March 15). UDL guidelines–Version 2.0.

Retrieved fromhttp://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines

Rose, D., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for

learning. Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/