Universal design for learning (UDL) is a teaching approach that meets the diverse needs of all learners by removing barriers to learning. UDL considers that learners obtain and express knowledge differently, so it offers multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement. The essential components of UDL come from brain science and how the brain learns. UDL aims to represent information in multiple formats, allow various options for learners to express knowledge, and give learners choice to foster engagement.

1. UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR
LEARNING
Stacy Sears

2. WHAT IS UDL?
Universal design for learning is a teaching approach that meets the
needs of diverse learning groups, removing the barriers to learning.
Universal design to learning takes into consideration that all learners
obtain knowledge differently and have different needs. The universal
design for learning attempts to meet the diverse needs of all learners.

3. ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS
The essential components of UDL come from the
science behind how the brain learns.

4. ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF UDL
Representation Action and
Expression
Engagement
Offers multiple
means of
introducing
information
Offers learners
multiple ways to
express what they
know
Allow learners to
have choice in how
they approach
learning
Activates
background
knowledge
Offer feedback Individualized to
meet interest of
learner
Support vocabulary Give models and
support
Creates autonomy

5. UNIVERSAL DESIGN AT WORK:
REPRESENTATION
videos articles
audiographics
games quizzes
When introducing a new topic in an
online learning environment the
designer should represent information
in multiple ways to meet the needs of
all learners.
 Links to videos
 Presentations with added audio and
graphics
 Links to articles and online reading
 Opportunity to interact with content
through games of quizzes

6. UNIVERSAL DESIGN AT WORK:
ACTION AND EXPRESSION
Options for
expression
Present
Writing
When evaluating learning designers
need to offer options for learners
to express what they have learned.
In an online learning environment
this is important since students are
taking learning into their own
hands and need to be able to
express themselves in a way that is
meaningful to them.
 Presentations
 Discussions
 Written reports
 Creating videos

7. UNIVERSAL DESIGN AT WORK:
ENGAGEMENT
Student choice is a crucial component of UDL. Students need to be
able to use their own: interest, background knowledge, and aptitude.
Offering learners choice gives the learner control over what they
learn; in doing so fostering interest and engagement. A professor in
an online learning community can create a student-centered lesson
shifting control to the learner. They can do so by embedding
multiple opportunities for learners to choose their own learning path.

8. CITATIONS
Brain photo
http://www.cast.org/our-work/about-udl.html#.VgWzdU3lupo