UDL Presentation for EDUC 7109 at Walden University

2. UDL Inspiration
 Ron Mace of North Carolina State University
formulated the idea of universal design in architecture.
 Structures needed to be designed and constructed to
accommodate ALL users, including those with disabilities,
without the need for specialized designs.

3. Universal Design
Physical Educational
Environment Environment
 Ramps  Electronic
 Elevators textbooks
 Talking signs  Accessible Web
 Handrails
Pages
 Screen reading
software
 Varied choices for
student expression

4. Universal Design Applied to
Learning
 Helps all students achieve success with the removal of
barriers from teaching methods and materials.
 Provides:
 Increased Achievement
 Greater student Engagement
 Content that matches student interests
 Assignments varied based on student’s skills

5. 3 Neural Networks of UDL
 Recognition Neural Network
 Strategic Neural Network
Brain  Affective Neural Network
Research
 Teaching must fit into
three learning networks.
 “Provides a basis for
determining the kinds of
teaching and learning
alternatives most useful
for a particular student in
a given circumstance”
(Rose, Meyer, Strangman,
& Rappolt, 2002).

6. Implications of
Brain Research
 Educators must design diverse curriculums that
activate all three neural networks because one size
does not fit all.
 Learning, teaching methods, assessments, and
materials must be made to work for everyone.

7. Recognition Network
(The “What” of Learning)
 Identify and interpret patterns
 Represent information in multiple formats and media

8. Strategic Network
(The “How” of Learning)
 Plan, execute, and monitor mental actions and motor
skills.
 Provide students with multiple means of action and
expression.

9. Affective Network
(The “Why” of Learning)
 The ability to attach emotional meaning to objects and
actions.
 Provide students with multiple ways to engage their
interests and motivation.

10. Implication of
Learning Differences
 Support cultural, ethnical, linguistic, and academic
diversity by presenting ideas utilizing a variety of
technology tools and diverse teaching methods.
 Students with disabilities can grow and succeed
because barriers to their learning are removed.
 Assignments and teaching methods are based are
student interests and motivation.
 Electronic Textbooks
 Screen Reading Software

11. Technology in the UDL classroom
“One central idea of UDL is that as new curricular materials and
learning technologies are developed, they should be designed from
the beginning to be flexible enough to accommodate the unique
learning styles of a wide range of individuals, including children
with disabilities” (The Early Childhood Technical Assistance
Center, 2012)

12. Role of Technology
 Remove Barriers
 Electronic versions of textbooks
 Accessible Web pages
 Multiple options for presentation of
materials
 PowerPoint presentations
 Videos
 Digital Text
 Scaffolding
 Provide students with appropriate
tools and resources
 Provide varied choices for student
expression
 Writing a blog
 Creating a Web Page
 Using digital story telling software

13. S
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15. References
Firchow, N. (2010, February). Universal design for learning-improved access for all.
Retrieved from http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-
technology/785-universal design-for-learning-improved-access-for-all.gs
Rose, D. H., Meyer, A., Strangman, N., & Rappolt, G. (2002). Teaching every student in the
digital age: Universal design for learning. Alexandria, VA: Association for
Curriculum and Student Development. Retrieved from
http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/
The Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center. (2012, November 20). What is
universal design for Learning? Retrieved from Universal Design:
http://ectacenter.org/topics/atech/udl.asp