Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework based on neuroscience that provides flexibility in how students access and engage with content. It aims to reduce barriers by presenting multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement. UDL grew from universal design principles in architecture and product design that improve accessibility for all. Its guidelines involve setting learning goals, choosing effective methods and materials, and assessing student progress through recognition, strategic, and affective networks. UDL helps educators master the learning process by allowing for customized, technology-enabled paths towards common goals and more engaged learning.

1. The idea that you can design/create to meet the needs of
specific individuals, but actually improves access for everyone
What is Universal Design?

2. History
o Universal Design started in the world of
Architecture, Product Design and Urban Planning
o Examples: curb cuts, doors that automatically
open, good grip kitchen tools, all access interior
design, closed captioning for hearing impaired
o These expectations are a result of the UD
movement in architecture

3. First things first – what is UDL?
o UDL is an approach to curriculum design and
implementation that draws on brain research and the
availability of new media technologies to reach learners of
all kinds
o Approach involves setting appropriate learning goals,
choosing and developing effective methods and materials,
and developing accurate and fair ways to assess students’
progress

5. Connections to Brain Research
Recognition Networks
the ‘what’ of learning
Strategic Networks
the ‘how of learning’
Affective Networks
the ‘why of learning’
Planning and performing
tasks. How we organize
and express ideas.
Writing an essay or
solving a math problem
are strategic tasks
Present information and
content in different ways
Differentiate the ways that
students can express what
they know
How we gather facts and
categorize what we see,
hear and read.
Identifying letters,
words or an author’s
style are recognition
tasks
Stimulate interest and
motivate for learning
How learners get
engaged and stay
motivated. How they are
challenged, excited or
interested. These are
affective dimensions.

6. Mastery of the Learning Process
o The goal of learning in the 21st century is no longer just the
mastery of content knowledge or the use of new
technologies.
o Universal Design for Learning helps educators meet the
goal of mastering the learning process.
o UDL provides a framework for understanding how to create
and revise curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.

7. UDL Guidelines
How do we improve mastery of the learning process via UDL?
• Provide Multiple Means of Representation - the “what” of learning
– multiple options for presenting information, customizable options that can highlight a
“big idea” on demand
• Provide Multiple Means of Action & Expression - the “how” of learning
– allow for different ways to demonstrate mastery of tasks and expressing new knowledge
• Provide Multiple Means of Engagement - the “why” of learning
– vary routines (spontaneous, free-form and more explicit, clearly directed) to involve
students who engage with learning through different means

9. Classroom Application
• Curriculum intentionally/systematically designed, from the beginning, to
address individual learning differences
• adapting the curriculum, but not to each learner
• Harnessing technology to provide built-in customization
• technology component makes it possible to do this differently than
just through differentiated instruction
• multiple paths to the same content vs. modifications
• differentiated LEARNING
• commonalities: ALL students are more engaged with curriculum
•

10. Example
Principle/ Guideline Example Why UDL
UDL Principle #1: Provide
Multiple Means of
Representation
Guideline 3.2: Highlight
patterns, critical features, big
ideas and relationships
Interactives: Elements of a
Story
This interactive breaks down
the important elements of a
story. Students go through a
series of steps for constructing
a story including: Setting,
Characters, Sequence,
Exposition, Conflict, Climax,
and Representation
Elements of a Story is an
effective example of "clarifying
structure” because it is
designed to help students to
identify the structural
components of storytelling.

11. Resources
• Center for Applied Special Technology-
http://www.cast.org/index.html
• National Center on Universal Design for Learning –
http://www.udlcenter.org
• Implementation (with Technology) Examples –
http://www.udlcenter.org/implementation/examples