Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework based on brain research that provides guidelines for curriculum design to meet the needs of all learners. UDL has three principles: provide multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement. Technology plays a central role by increasing flexibility, adaptability and accessibility of content. UDL aims to reduce barriers in education by developing inclusive instructional goals, methods, materials and assessments.

1. UDL
UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR
LEARNING
Ryan A. Maxwell
Walden University
Jacqueline Derby
Reaching and Engaging All Learners through
Technology EDUC 6714
July 27th, 2014

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

3. What is the inspiration for UDL?
• UDL has its roots in architecture

4. More UDL in architecture
Power doors
Curb cuts
Accessibility ramps

5. There are 3 principles of UDL
Principle #1
Provide multiple means of representation
Principle #2
Provide multiple means of action and expression
Principle #3
Provide multiple means of engagement

6. -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.

7. -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.

8. 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.

9. What is the central role of technology
in the principles identified?
• Technology
provides:
• Availability
• Flexibility
• Adaptability

10. 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)

11. Brain Research Has Taught Us About 3
Learning Networks:
The recognition
network
The strategic
network
The affective
network
The "what" of learning
How 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)

12. 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.

13. 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)

14. 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.

15. 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