Universal Design Learning (UDL) emphasizes accommodating diverse learner needs to enhance educational experiences by utilizing flexible instructional strategies. It advocates for the use of multimedia tools and technology in classrooms to remove barriers for students with disabilities, providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression. Educators are encouraged to adapt their teaching methods and utilize various supports to foster student motivation and involvement in the learning process.

1. Universal Design Learning: Its Significance and Place in Education Alvina T. Head EDET 735 Dr. Wissick

2. What is UDL? Refers to “unique nature of each learner and the need to accommodate differences, creating learning experiences that suit the learner and maximize his or her ability to progress”. Problems in the curriuclum are found Focuses on Differentiatied Instruction

3. Differentiated Instruction Teaching theory based on idea that instructional strategies and approaches used within the classroom should vary to accommodate each individual and diverse learner’s needs Teachers must be flexible,willing to adjust the curriuculum used in the classroom, and willing to modify how information is presented.

4. UDL in action Buildings are retrofitted to accommodate those with physical disabilities that use wheelchairs or other assistive technologies for mobility.

5. UDL in Action In the classroom, textbooks has been found to create learning barriers for students with disabilities (learning,visual, physical, etc.) Multimedia tools implemented within the curriculum (in various content areas) and within the classroom helps to break the learning barriers for all students enhancing learning processes and flexibility.

6. UDL in Action Scholastic’s Wiggleworks Interactive print and CD-ROM multimedia tool that utilizes UDL principles within the curriculum. Custom settings to support Various disabilities and learning Styles Read aloud options (line-by-line or Word-by-word) Single switch access

7. UDL: Its place in the Classroom Educators must understand how all students learn and how to use and select technological supports that are available that will engage students in their own learning process and provide access for all students to learn Educators must be able to identify specific standards and goals and communicate these goals to students

8. Recognition Goals Recognizing information that needs to be processed and learned Educators must provide flexible and various ways to present the same information

9. Recognition Support in the Classroom Web browsers Word processors Screen reading software

10. Strategic Goals Strategies and skills used in the classroom to allow students to be able to learn Educators must be able to allow students to utilize various means to express and demonstrate skills learned through various supports

11. Strategic Support in the Classroom Using alternative keyboards to create personalized text (ie students taking their own notes) Using software programs that contain digital notebooks (ie e-reader, TextHelp Systems)

12. Affective Goals The emotional and valuable engagements students make when they are engaging in the learning process Educators must allow students to find various supports in order to become involve in their own learning process Engaged student=MOTIVATED STUDENT

13. Affective Support in the Classroom Using multimedia presentations (ie Hyperstudio Program) Create a concept map Create personalized websites on a particular topic or concept

14. UDL Model Allows educators to provide a flexible learning environment for all students!