Universal Design for Learning (UDL)Michelle DragalinWalden UniversityApril 12, 2015Dr. Rebakah McPherson

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational approach to curriculum and instruction using technology to enable students with diverse learning needs to be successful in the classroom .”

UDL was initially a building design and later transferred to the educational environment.

Universal design (UD) principles

• Ramp• Elevators• Hand rails

LearningUDL Provides a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials and assessments that work for everyone.

Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) website: http//www.cast.org

What does brain research tell us about learning differences?

Rose and Meyer (2008) suggests that: Learning takes place between 3 different areas of the brain that affect the “What”, the “How” and the “Why "of learning. These areas are known as the Recognition, Strategic, and Affective Networks.

Three networks of the brain:Recognition Networks The “what” of learningStrategic Networks The “how” of learningAffective Networks The “why” of learning•

Central Role of Technology in UDL

Technology is important because it is key to differentiation, and reaches each student in varying ways.

Example: Computers, iPods, hand held devices, Speech to text, etc.

To provide a variety of ways to present information to learners to ensure that their individual learning styles are addressed and students are engaged and motivated. UDL helps educators design curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.To find out more about UDL’s perspective on expert learners visit http://www.udlcenter.org/ aboutudl/expertlearners

HOW CAN UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING WORK IN OUR SCHOOL?

. Ability Levels Learning Learning Cultures Influences Styles Backgrounds They also indicate that the learning

processes influenced by outside factors which should be taken into consideration as well

Cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and academic diversity?UDL supports various diversities among learners because it provides educators with an array of strategies and tools to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners regardless of their cultural, ethnic, and/or academic diversity.

Also, by providing differentiated instruction to those in need can allow students to reach their full potential. UDL supports cultural, ethnic, linguistic and academic diversity by reaching all

1st Principle:Provide multiple and flexible methods of presentation to give students with diverse learning styles various ways of acquiring information and knowledge.Examples: Learning Ally, text to speech Audio books for auditory learners; Math manipulative for Tactile learners. Large balls for physical learners

2nd PrincipleProvide flexible means of expression to provide diverse students with alternatives for demonstrating what they have learned.

Examples: Making a model or art work; doing a presentation

3rd Principle Provide multiple and flexible means of engagement to tap into diverse learners’ interests, challenge them appropriately, and motivate them to learn.Example: Vary the teaching style to fit the learning style of a student. Also allow students to choose to work in a group or independently

CAST Online Tools•

CAST, a nonprofit research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through Universal Design for Learning, has several online tools designed to give teachers the ability to meet the diverse learning needs of students. http://www.cast.org/about/index.htm

The following are some CAST online tools that can be helpful when designing curriculum based on UDL practices.

• CAST, Inc. (2007–2011). Curriculum self-check: Explore resources. Retrieved from http:// udlselfcheck.cast.org/resources.php#curriculum• CAST, Inc. (2005–2011). UDL lesson builder. Retrieved from http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/• CAST, Inc. (2006–2011). UDL book builder. Retrieved from http://bookbuilder.cast.org/

This tool allows teachers to create digital books to support reading instruction. Available at: http://bookbuilder.cast.org

This site allows educators to create and implement lessons with flexible goals, methods, materials, and assessments that support learning for all students. http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/learn.php

This site supports students in writing lab and class reports. This tool is geared toward middle school and high school students. http://sciencewriter.cast.org/welcome

Image Credits Cast.org/research/udl/index.html Bookbuilder.cast.org Speedchange.blogspot.com Eventbrite.com Walton.k12.ga.us Moxiebird.com Attitudeofgratitude.typepad.comLearningdifferently.wikispaces.com Microsoft Powerpoint clip art

ResourceLaureate Education, Inc.(Executive Producer). Program 13: Brainresearch and universal design for learning [DVD]. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.National Center on Universal Design for Learning (2011, March 15).UDL guidelines-Version 2.0. Retrieved fromhttp://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidline

ResourceRose, D., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age:Universal design for learning. Retrieved fromhttp://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/chapter2_2.cfm

Resource Rose, D., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching

every student in the digital age:Universal design for learning. Retrieved fromhttp://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/chapter6_6.cfmYoutube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDvKnY0g6e4