The document discusses Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which is a framework for designing curricula to enable all students to gain knowledge and skills regardless of individual differences. UDL aims to provide multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement by utilizing various methods, materials and assessments. It was created based on research showing that students have different learning styles, abilities, cultures and backgrounds. The three principles of UDL are to provide multiple ways of presentation, expression and engagement. The document provides examples of how technology can support UDL and notes its potential benefits for increasing student achievement.

1. Hayley D’Angelo
UDL Presentation
Universal Design for Learning

2. What is UDL?
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.
MES students

3. Why was UDL created?
UDL was created based
upon research for how we
can better reach children.
Children of different ability levels,
learning styles, cultures and
backgrounds need varied instruction
and assessment to maximize their
learning potential.

4. Differentiation(sometimes referred to as differentiated learning) involves providing students with different
avenues to acquiring content; to processing, constructing, or making sense of ideas; and to developing
teaching materials so that all students within a classroom can learn effectively, regardless of
differences in ability.[1]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differentiated_instruction

5. UDL
Recognition Networks:
Present information and
content in different ways (the
"what" of learning)Strategic
Networks: Differentiate the
ways that students can
express what they know (the
"how" of learning)Affective
Networks: Stimulate interest
and motivation for learning
(the "why" of learning)

6. Neural Networks
These three neural networks work together to
coordinate even simple acts like signing a
birthday card for a friend. Through recognition
networks, we understand the concept of a
birthday and identify the card, the pen, our
hands as we write, and our signature. Through
strategic networks, we set our goal of signing
the card, form a plan for picking up the pen and
moving it to produce our signature, monitor our
progress, and make small course corrections,
such as reducing the size of the letters if we
begin to run out of space. Affective networks
connect us to our feelings for our friend,
motivate us to sign the card, and keep us on
task.

7. Provide multiple and
flexible methods of
presentation to give
students with diverse
learning styles various ways
of acquiring information
and knowledge.
♣ Digital Storybooks can be used for
struggling readers.
Principles of UDL1

8. Provide multiple and
flexible means of
expression to provide
diverse students with
alternatives for
demonstrating what they
have learned.
♣ Create project-based assessments
where students get to decided how they
will demonstrate their mastery of
concepts taught.
Principles of UDL2

9. Provide multiple and flexible
means of engagement to tap
into diverse learners'
interests, challenge them
appropriately, and motivate
them to learn.
♣ Vary your teaching approach to reach
learners of every style. For example, provide
interactive presentations that have audio,
visuals and allow students to work in a group
or individually.
Principles of UDL3

10. ♣ See http://www.neirtec.org/udl/ for a list of very helpful technology tools.
Technology and UDL
Technology is a key resource for differentiating instruction and
assessment. By incorporating varying aspects of technology into
your curriculum design, students will be able to engage in
concepts on their own level. Technology opens the possibilities
for reaching every student in a variety of ways.

11. Impact at OUR CAMPUS
Our campus has a high
number of ESL,
economically
disadvantaged and special
needs students. The
academic needs of these
students are very diverse
as well as the background
knowledge and home
support. By using UDL,
we can reach each student
on his or her level.
TAKS achievement
INCREASES!
MES Students Rock!

12. UDL Online Resources
http://www.neirtec.org/udl/
This website provides you with links for resources on curriculum design and online technology
tools. I found the technology tools to be the most helpful. Many educators are willing to vary the
way the curriculum is taught and utilize technology tools, but they do not know where to access the
resources.
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13. UDL Online Resources
http://teachingeverystudent.blogspot.com/
This website provides teachers and students with the resources needed to create text
to speech for anything and everything on any computer.There is a way to enable
Macbooks (and Desktop computers) to read text out loud when highlighted. On a
Macbook, there are instructions on how to enable this feature. Students can select any
text and hit control+R for the text to be read aloud. Students are able to change the
rate of speech, type of voice and inflection via the speech function in system
preferences.
2

14. UDL Online Resources
http://www.advocacyinstitute.org/UDL/
This website is the UDL Homepage. I found the classroom scenarios to
be particularly helpful.
3

15. Every child is UNIQUE; therefore, our educational
approach must be equally UNIQUE.
References: Rose, D., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design
for learning. Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/Laureate
Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Brain research and universal design for learning.
Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.
References: Rose, D., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design
for learning. Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/Laureate
Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Brain research and universal design for learning.