Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that uses technology to provide flexible instructional materials, techniques, and assessments to meet the needs of all students. UDL is based on three principles: providing multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement. By incorporating flexibility and options into curriculum design using technology, UDL supports the diverse learning needs of all students through customizable and individualized learning experiences based on how the brain learns best.

1. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Terri Waterman Walden University

2. What is UDL? “Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational approach to curriculum and instruction using technology to enable students with diverse learning needs to be successful in the classroom .” UDL Provides a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials and assessments that work for everyone. Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) website: http//www.cast.org

3. Three Principles of UDL In each network of curriculum provides options for all three principles: Representing information – this is how educators present the information to student Action and expression – this is how educators encourage learners to react Engagement – this is how educators promote connection (National Center on UDL)

4. Instructional Method

5. Central Role of Technology in UDL Newer technologies allow, and encourage, flexibility and diversity instead. This power and flexibility greatly enhances the ability to individualize and customize the learning experience.

6. Brain Research and Learning Individuals bring a huge variety of skills, needs, and interest to learning. Brain Research reveals that there is three primary brain networks to learning.

7. Impact of UDL on Student Learning Knowing how the three brain networks function suggest different approaches for teaching information, for teaching skills and strategies, and for teaching students to love learning.

8. Supporting Every Student

9. How does UDL Support Diversity? The flexibility of digital media and the varied resources available on the World Wide Web provide great opportunity for individualization However, care must be taken to structure any learning experiences so that the focus remains on the particular goal at hand This requires preparation and careful consideration of each learner’s needs and skills.

10. Three CAST Online Tools CAST UDL Book Builder – this is a free online tool that enables educators to develop their own digital books to support reading instruction for children 3 & up. http://www.cast.org/learningtools/book_builder/index.html CAST UDL Lesson Builder – this is a free online tool that teaches educators to customize standards-based curriculum to meet individual learning needs. http://www.cast.org/learningtools/lesson_builder/index.html CAST UDL Curriculum Self-Check – this is a free online tool that helps educators build options and flexibility into each element to the curriculum ( goals, methods, materials, and assessments) in order to reach and engage all students. http://www.cast.org/learningtools/udl_self_check/index.html

11. For Additional Information CAST www.cast.org National UDL Task Force www.udl4allstudents.org National UDL Center www.udlcenter.org

12. Resources Rose, D., & Meyer, A/ (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. Retrieved October 1, 2010. http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/ National Center on Universal Design for Learning. Retrieved October 1, 2010. Http://www.udlcenter.org. Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author. National Center on Universal Design for Learning. UDL Unplugged, The Role of Technology in UDL. David. Rose, Ed.D., Jenna W. Gravek, Ed. M., and Yvonne M. Domings, Ed.M.http://www.udlcenter.org/resource_library/articles/udlunplugged