UDLUNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING

Ryan A. Maxwell

Walden University

Jacqueline Derby

Reaching and Engaging All Learners through Technology EDUC 6714

July 27th, 2014

What is UDL?-UDL is a framework for making curriculum more inclusive for all learners.

What is the inspiration for UDL?

• UDL has its roots in architecture

More UDL in architecture

Power doors

Curb cuts

Accessibility ramps

There are 3 principles of UDL

Principle #1Provide multiple means of representation

Principle #2Provide multiple means of action and expression

Principle #3Provide multiple means of engagement

-In order for learners to acquire new knowledge, they must be able to connect with the content. (Brain research tells us that those of us that are strategic network learners rely on content being presented in many ways!)

-Everyone has their own unique way of making this connection.

- Providing multiple means of expression means that the teacher is laying down a variety of options for perception, language, math expression, symbols, and comprehension.

There are a variety of technology tools to support this task.

-The 2nd principle of UDL: Provide multiple means of action and expression through physical action, expression, communication, and options for executive function. (Brain research tells us that students that are strong strategic learners need multiple options to demonstrate what they know!)

There are many technology tools available to help students express themselves.

The 3rd principle of UDL: Provide multiple means of engagement means presenting lessons and information in a fun and exciting way that keeps students interested and challenged. This process entails recruiting interest, sustaining effort and persistence, and providing options for self-regulation.

(Brain research tells us that students that are affective learners need their interest stimulated, and they need to remain motivated for learning to occur.)

These technology tools give students the opportunity to become more self-directed learners.

What is the central role of technology in the principles identified?• Technology

provides:• Availability • Flexibility• Adaptability

WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF UDL ON MY SCHOOL?

“CAST defines Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a blueprint for creating flexible goals, methods, materials, and assessments that accommodate learners’ differences” (CAST, 1998)

Brain Research Has Taught Us About 3 Learning Networks:

The recognition network

The strategic network

The affective network

The "what" of learningHow we gather facts and categorize what we see, hear, and read.

The "how" of learning. Planning and performing tasks.

The "why" of learning. How learners get engaged and stay motivated.

(Cast.org, 2013)

What are the implications?

• Each student varies in which network of the brain he or she prefers to learn with.

• This means teachers must create lessons that appeal to ALL 3 networks of the brain!

• Using UDL approaches to teaching ensures this will happen.

What about diversity?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) was created to meet the needs of all students and give all students the opportunity to be successful. Diversity is commonly found in schools today. “Universal Design for Learning helps meet the challenge of diversity by suggesting flexible instructional materials, techniques, and strategies that empower educators to meet these varied needs” (CAST, 2009)

CAST Online Tools • Internet Inquiry Tool Kit • This tool provides grades 5-10 a

resource in finding information on the Internet from a UDL perspective.

• PAL Tool Kit • This resource gives teachers a tool

to help design lesson plans that make the curriculum accessible to all learners.

• The SSEC Tool Kit • This tool provides high school

teachers with strategies and activities in vocabulary and reading comprehension instruction.

Resources• Retrieved from http://marylandlearninglinks.org/data/ck/sites/121/images/

curb2.jpg• Alltech - ABSalltech.com | exterior property maintenance. (n.d.). Retrieved

from http://www.alltechbuildingsystems.com• CAST: About CAST. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.cast.org/about/index.html• Historical Foundations | Universal Design for Learning in HCPSS. (n.d.).

Retrieved from http://udlhcpss.wordpress.com/historical-foundations• Home | National Center On Universal Design for Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved

from http://www.udlcenter.org• UDL and The Flipped Classroom: The Full Picture | User Generated Education.

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://usergeneratededucation.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/udl-and-the-flipped-classroom-the-full-picture/

• Universal Design: Architecture - UDL-VT-TTAC. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://udl- vt-ttac.wikidot.com/universal-design:architecture