Universal Design for Learning

Toby HoutzWalden University

EDUC -6714I -2Reaching and Engaging

All Learners throughTechnology

UDL

Wh a t is

UD

L ? Universal Design for Learning(UDL) is a set of PRINCIPLES characterized by CAST (2011), that gives

all students an equivalent opportunity to learn in the classroom!

Rose (Laureate Education, 2010) reinforces the idea that UDL is an instructional approach that opens up

opportunities for learning by all students!

Is UDL Necessary?

YES! UDL is necessary because: Students have various needs, interests and skills they

bring to the classroom (CAST, 2011); All students need the same chances to learn; All children are capable of learning and they learn in

different ways; and The ways that different students learn means that the

instructional design to meet those needs must be adapted!

What is the INSPIRATION

for UDL?

UDL gives ALL students the opportunity to learn!!

UDL is meant to accommodate the educational needs of all students, regardless of their disabilities or barriers!

It was an idea that originated from the Universal Design (UD) method in architecture where the need was to make buildings accessible for ALL people!

Our environment has been adjusted to conform to the different needs of people, so shouldn’t our classrooms?

Examples in the Physical Environment

What are the 3 PRINCIPLES of UDL?

2. “ACTION and EXPRESSION”

Providing a Multiple Means of:

3. “ENGAGEMENT”

1.“REPRESENTATION”

Recognition Network

Strategic Network

Affective Network

Brain Research and The 3 Networks of The Brain

Brain Research and UDL

• Worden and et al. explains “While brain research alone can’t tell us how to teach children, understanding the brain leads to uncovering underlying learning mechanisms (Worden and et al. ,2011).” Understanding the connection between these two areas can assist an educator in creating successful lessons that will meet the needs of all students.

• Retrieved from: A Study on Universal Design Learning

Principle #1: Present Materials in a Variety of Ways REPRESENTATION

The “WHAT” of Learning How we gather facts and

categorize what we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch

Helps us identify voices, faces, letters, numbers, words, complex patterns, and abstract concepts.

Examples include: large text, highlighted text, math word problems and sequences

Instructional methods include: Powerpoint, Videos, SMARTboard, Digital Media

Principle #2: Provide a Multiple Means of ACTION and EXPRESSION

The “HOW” of Learning How we plan and perform

tasks, listen to lectures, take notes, etc.

How we organize and express our ideas such as solving a math problem

Helps us understand and demonstrate our understanding of concepts.

Examples include: oral/video presentations, project-based learning, make a poster, have a debate, etc.

Principle #3: Provide Various Options for ENGAGEMENT

The “WHY” of Learning

How we get engaged and stay motivated to learn

How our emotions are controlled

How we are challenged, excited, or interested in, or about, a topic based on choices

Examples include: Virtual field trips, online collaboration, journals, flexible grouping, multimedia presentations

So What’s the Big Idea?

Students do not learn in the same manner! All students process information in unique ways.

How they translate, construct, or employ the information they learn into a meaningful experience is critical and begins with the instructional methods chosen by the teacher!

How is this important to me and how do I create a classroom using UDL methods using technology?

Instructional Methods and The Role of Technology in UDL

Main roles of Technology in UDL:• Supports

diverse learning needs

• Provides flexibility to provide content

• Gives students alternative choices to learn

• Engages ALL learners

Instructional Methods and The Role of Technology in UDL (cont.)

• Provides multiple content choices for teachers and students

• Makes lessons easier to design meets the needs for individual students

Examples of Technology in the Classroom: Voice recognition software, digital text, SMARTboards,

blogs, wikis, audio books, VoiceThread, movies, graphic organizers, laptops, math manipulatives, foldables, journal books, tutorial videos, virtual field trips, online concept map-making tools, iPads, iMovies, sticky notes, Edmodo, iPhoto, communication devices, screencasting/podcasts

Watch this short video that offers more input on technology in UDL:

Technology with UDL

UDL and DiversityToday’s classrooms are more diverse

than ever! So what does UDL do?

It improves student learning for ALL students by making sure that their access to the curriculum is meaningful and they learn authentic skills and are assessed appropriately. UDL also accompanies initiatives set by existing school reforms. (Universal Design for Learning Task Force)

It gives itself to cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity and makes room for low and high-achieving students to progress while offering challenges to all learners.

How does UDL Impact Learning at CMHS?

Increases skills that will help students in real world applications

Increases engagement and motivation among all including teachers and students

Allows choices for students to learn

Students receive feedback to achieve goals and set new ones

Students and teachers gain confidence in their individual skills

Includes the use of many forms of technology that appeal to all types of learners

CAST Online Tools and Resources CAST UDL Lesson Builder – This tool will assist our teachers to explore

and develop lessons and help our diverse students meet their academic goals.

Website - http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/

CAST Strategy Tutor – This tool will engage students in reading and researching, enable them to gather and understand online information more efficiently, and allow teachers to access professional development resources to use for their own classes.

Website - http://cst.cast.org/cst/auth-login

CAST Class Profile Maker – This is an organizational tool that surveys your student strengths, interests, and challenges. It helps teachers develop an class learning profile for the students as well.

Website - http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/classprofile.cfm

RESOURCES• CAST. (2011). “UDL curriculum self-check. Retrieved from

http://udlselfcheck.cast.org/

• CAST, Inc. (1999-2012). UDL Lesson Builder. Retrieved fromhttp://lessonbuilder.cast.org/

• CAST, Inc. (1999-2012). Class Strategy Tutor. Retrieved from http://cst.cast.org/cst/auth-login

• CAST, Inc. (1999-2012). Profile Maker. Retrieved fromhttp://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/classprofile.cfm

• Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching and engaging all learners through technology: Universal Design for Learning. Baltimore, MD: Author.

RESOURCES (cont.)• National Center on Universal Design for Learning. (2011, March 15). UDL

guidelines–Version 2.0. Retrieved from http://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/

• http://www.learningforall.ca/?page_id=18