This document discusses universal design for learning (UDL) and the central role of technology in implementing UDL principles. UDL is a framework that aims to provide flexible learning environments and materials to support all students. It identifies three principles - representation, action and expression, and engagement. The document also notes that recent brain research shows individuals process information differently and technology allows for personalized instruction to support learner diversity. Tools on the CAST website like the UDL Solutions Finder and Lesson Builder help apply UDL principles.

1. Week 4: Technology and Universal Design for Learning Miriam DiazWalden UniversityDr. Christopher Calvin EDUC-6714I-5 Reaching and Engaging All Learners through Technology January 31, 2010

2. Inspiration for Universal Design for Learning “ Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a research-based framework for designing curricula—that is, educational goals, methods, materials, and assessments—that enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. This is accomplished by simultaneously providing rich supports for learning and reducing barriers to the curriculum, while maintaining high achievement standards for all students.”Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) website: http://www.cast.org

3. Three principles of UDL Representation: How we present information to studentsAction and Expression: How we encourage our learner to react to our representationsEngagement: How our student are connected to our subject area and to the learning environmentExplained the central role of technology

4. Central Role of Technology in UDLUniversal Design for Learning takes the power and flexibility of technology to make education inclusive for all students.

5. Impact of UDL on student learning my schoolIncrease student achievementPersonalized assignments, evaluations and assessmentsFlexibility for students and teachers

6. UDL and Brain Research Recent research in neuroscience shows that each brain processes information differently. The way we learn is as individual as DNA or fingerprints. In its research, CAST has identified three primary brain networks and the roles they play in learning.Recognition networksStrategic networksAffective networks

7. Implications of Differences for Instruction and Learning Cultural, ethnic, linguistic and academic diversity is supported through the Internet and technological resources that are used to personalized lessons.

8. CAST Online Tools UDL Solutions Finder (paper backup available in textbook)http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/udlsolutionsfinder.cfmCurriculum Content Resourceshttp://udlselfcheck.cast.org/resources.php#curriculumUDL Lesson Builderhttp://lessonbuilder.cast.org/

9. References:Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Brain Research and Universal Design for Learning. Baltimore: Author., D., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. Retrieved fromhttp://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/UDL Tools and ResourcesUDL Solutions Finder (paper backup available in textbook)http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/udlsolutionsfinder.cfmUDL Curriculum Barriers Finder (paper backup available in textbook) http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/curriculumbarriers.cfmUDL Class Profile Maker (paper backup available in textbook)http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/classprofile.cfmUDL Goal Setterhttp://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/udlgoalsetter.cfmCurriculum Content Resourceshttp://udlselfcheck.cast.org/resources.php#curriculumUDL Lesson Builderhttp://lessonbuilder.cast.org/UDL Book Builderhttp://bookbuilder.cast.org/