This document discusses Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which aims to create effective and accessible learning for all students. UDL recognizes there are three networks involved in how people learn - recognition, strategic, and affective networks. It also acknowledges people receive and process information differently depending on whether they are visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or multi-sensory learners. UDL calls for providing multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression to accommodate differences in individual learners and learning styles. When designing curriculum, UDL encourages considering ways to present content through different modalities and provide alternative options for students to demonstrate their understanding.

1. Universal Design for LearningCreating effective and efficient learning for everyoneBetty Nelson, Ph.D.Jenelle Hodges, M.S.University of Alabama at BirminghamCollege of Arts and Sciences

2. But Do we all learn the same?The world is full of many different people..

3. Recognition NetworksRecognition networks: “the what of learning”identify and interpret patterns of sound, light, taste, smell, and touch

4. Strategic NetworksStrategic networks: “the how of learning”plan, execute, and monitor actions and skills

5. Affective NetworksAffective networks: “the why of learning”evaluate and set priorities

6. Learning and the BrainRecognition networks (what)Strategic networks (how)Affective networks (why)

8. Functional Magnetic Resonance Images (fMRI) Blue = low to moderate level of activity Red = high level of activityYellow = extremely high level of activity

9. Today’s LearnerSo if we all receive information differently…What does today’s classroom look like?How does learning take place?Where does learning today take place?

10. Kinesthetic LearnerVisual LearnerAuditory LearnerMulti-Sensory Learner

11. Did you know?10% of what they read 20% of what they hear 30% of what they see 50% of what they see and hear 70% of what they say 90% of what they say and do Rief, Sandra F. How to Reach and Teach ADD/ADHD Children: Practical Techniques, Strategies, and Interventions for Helping Children with Attention Problems and Hyperactivity. The Center for Applied Research in Education, 1993, p. 53.

12. We Must Avoid “One Size Fits All”

13. The Issue Facing EducatorsTeachers look for ways to…Adapt curriculumModify instructional strategiesAssess students in ways that permit them to demonstrate their mastery of what they’ve been taughtOne answer?UDL or Universal Design for Learning13

14. Universal DesignOriginally developed for architects and consumer product designers, the principles of Universal Design have been adapted to the field of education.14

15. Universal Design15© U.S. Dept. of Justice http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/images/handles.gif

16. Universal Design for Learning(UDL)One concise description is…The central practical premise of UDL is that a curriculum should include alternatives to make it accessible and appropriate for individuals with different backgrounds, learning styles, and disabilities in widely varied learning contexts. The universal in universal design does not imply one optimal solution for everyone. Rather, it reflects an awareness of the unique nature of each learner and the need to accommodate differences, create learning experiences that suit the learner, and maximizes his or her ability to progress. (Rose & Meyer, 2002, page 70)16

17. Why is it so important…Capturing the global cognitive talents of our students– maximizing students’ potentialStudent recruitmentStudent retention Teaching using methods that promote retention of what is learnedGlobal competition 17

18. Multiple Means X 3There are three essential qualities of UDL that must be considered when designing curriculum to meet the needs of all learners.1. Multiple Means of Representation2. Multiple Means of Engagement3. Multiple Means of Expression18333

19. Lets think about it…What are multiple ways to present lesson content?What are multiple ways to engage students?What are multiple ways students can express themselves?*Auditory learners?*Visual learners?*Tactile or kinesthetic learners?*What are your affective options?*What are your technology options?

20. Different combinations of course content present different management skill demands for students

21. Innovations to Implement UDL in Higher Education

23. SomeFREEResources

24. Meeting the ChallengeAll too often we are digital immigrants teaching in a digital native’s world. We must find a way to bridge the gap. UDL is the answer to reaching all of our different types of learners. This is a PBS Special on Digital Media: New Learners of the 21st Century. It has interviews with John SeelyBrown, James Gee, and several other prominent people in the field of Instructional Design and Education. http://video.pbs.org/video/1797357384/

25. Unlock the potential of new technologiesTo podcast or not to podcast…That is the question !

26. Thank you!Any questions, comments, or for further information please feel free to contact us at:Dr. Nelson - benelson@uab.eduJenelle Hodges – jmhodges@uab.edu