Universal Design for Learning by Susan Craig

Susan CraigWalden UniversityInstructor: Dr. Jacqueline DerbyEDUC 6714: Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through TechnologyJuly 24, 2011Universal Design for Learning

The History of Universal DesignImage Credit:Smithsonian National Museum of American HistoryRonald MaceVisionary and ArchitectFounder of the Universal Design Concept

As an architect with a physical disability,Ronald Mace used his experience toimagine a world where…all spaces,from their inception,are created forall people,young and old,tall and short,male and female,abled and disabled.Image credit: Indie

He imagined a world transformed from this…Image credit:Universal Design Architecture Company

into this…Image credit: Mikiten Architecture

As a result of Mace’s vision, architectural design evolved to consider all users and their needsbeforeconstruction begins.In public places…Image credit: Low Floor – The Full WikiImage credit: SABES

…in homes, or wherever new spaces are designed.Image Credits: Accessible/Universal Design Home Investigators

This evolution became known asuniversal design.The Concept is Born

What is Universal Design for Learning?Image Credit:PBworks udl4all

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)Now imagine a classroom where all learning, from its inception,is designed for all students,before instruction begins.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)Educators have adapted the principles of universal design for spaces and products to create a new framework for learning.CAST, an organizational leader in the field of UDL, describes UDL as “a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that work for everyone” (CAST: About UDL, 1999-2011).

The Principles of UDLUniversal Design for Learning at CAST is guided by three primary principles for providing instruction: Provide multiple means of representationProvide multiple means of action and expressionProvide multiple means of engagement

Brain Research and UDLAt CAST, these principles have been guided by brain research .Each of us learns differently based on the development of our three brain networks. UDL honors these differences by recognizing the diverse learner on all levels – cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and academic.Image credit:CAST: Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age

The Role of Technology in UDLFundamentally, UDL is about providing multiple means of reaching students. Technology provides countless options for doing just that – finding new ways to do old things. Image credit:Edublogs.org

The What of LearningThe How of LearningThe Why of LearningUDL in Three Parts

The What of Learning The Brain’s Recognition Network

Principle I: Provide Multiple Means of Representation

Support Through TechnologyThe Brain’s Recognition NetworkThis is the part of our brain that allows us to recognize, through our senses, what we are experiencing……providing the foundation for UDL Principle I.Image credit:Human Consciousness Sensory Organs – Source of Origin

Principle IProvide multiple means of representationBecause students distinguish and understand information differently, it should be presented to them in multiple formats.

Technology Examples to Support Principle I When stating standards and goals, state them orally, post them in the class blog, and print them in a graphic organizer Allow the use of text-to-speech software such as Voki for students who would like to hear text read aloud Use Interactives 3D Geometry Shapes to provide visual comprehension of shapes in three dimensions

The How of Learning The Brain’s Strategic Network

Principle II: Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression Support Through TechnologyThe Brain’s Strategic NetworkThis is the part of our brain that allows us to form actions and plans, or to decide how we are going to do something……providing the foundation for UDL Principle II.Image credit:Plantilla Awesome, Inc.

Principle IIProvide multiple means of action and expressionStudents have varied ways of approaching tasks, strategizing plans for their learning, and expressing what they have learned.

Technology Examples to Support Principle II Allow the use of Click-n-Type as an alternative for students who can control a mouse but not a standard keyboard Allow the use of VoiceThread for creating presentations that use images, documents, and videos Use Webspiration to classify ideas or create outlines for previewing or reviewing concepts

The Why of Learning The Brain’s Affective Network

Principle III: Provide Multiple Means of Engagement

Support Through TechnologyThe Brain’s Affective NetworkThis is the part of our brain that connects emotional meaning to our experiences, influencing why we react the way we do……providing the foundation for UDL Principle III.Image credit:All Free Logo: Vector Logo

Principle IIIProvide multiple means of engagementStudents vary in what attracts their attention and holds their interest. They are influenced by environment, previous experiences , and their abilities to cope and reflect.

Technology Examples to Support Principle III View this video (Five-Year-Olds Pilot Their Own Project-Based Learning) for inspiration about how to make your lessons relevant to your students.View this video (The Surprising Science of Motivation) to learn strategies for motivating your studentsView and share this video (Students Learn the Skill of Conflict Resolution) with your students to teach coping and self-regulation strategies

There are many excellent resources for exploring and learning how to implement UDL in your own classroom. A few to get you started:Where Do I Go From Here?CAST: Center for Applied TechnologyUDL Center’s Channel – You TubeDifferentiated Instruction with UDLDare to Differentiate – UDL Universal Design of InstructionCAST: Teaching Every Student

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