Universal design originated in architecture to design buildings that are accessible to all from the beginning rather than retrofitting later. In education, universal design aims to accommodate diverse learner needs through alternatives and options rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The brain works through three main networks - recognition networks for identifying facts, strategic networks for thinking and problem-solving, and affective networks for motivation and emotions. Technology tools can support universal design by assisting learners in various ways.

1. Diversity In Learning
Foundations of Universal Design
Learning – Universal Design
Modified from Courtney DeRosa
Walden University
Instructor: Evelyn Thompson
6714I-3: Reaching and Engaging all Learners Through Technology
July 10, 2010
&
Gary Braman – East Stroudsburg University

2. Discussion - Grocery Stores:
What accommodations are made
for differences?
Who benefits from the
accommodations?

3. Origins of Universal Design
• Originated in the
field of architecture
• Design buildings with
built-in accessibility
for everyone
• Superior to
retrofitting buildings
• Accommodate
diverse individual
needs

4. Universal Design
• Not one size fits all – but alternatives
• Designed from the beginning, not added on later.
• Increases access opportunities for everyone

5. Review Question
• From what field does the concept of
universal design come?
Architecture

7. What is going on in the brain when
learning?

8. Split the brain into 3 parts:
Recognition Networks
Strategic Networks
Affective Networks

9. Brain Research
Strategic Networks Recognition Networks
Affective Networks
Laureate,
2009

10. Recognition Networks
• Note: quantity of
the brain
– Back Half of Brain
– Sensory Pattern
Recognition
– Gather facts and recognize
familiarity
– Ex: rose smells orwhat a
tree looks like.
• http://udlonline.cast.org/p
age/module1/l144/

11. Recognition Networks

12. Strategic
• Planning, organizing,
problem
solving, critical
thinking
• Examples: knowing
how to respond to
questions on a
test, taking notes
• http://udlonline.cast.
org/page/module1/l1
48/

13. Strategic

14. Review Questions
• What network is used to recognize your
friend’s face?
Recognition Network
• What network in the brain is used to think
about the various perspectives of global
warming?
Strategic Network
• What part of the network is used to know the
term global warming?
Recognition Network

15. Affective Networks
• Motivation, feelings,
priorities, interests
• Think: High
school, prom, first
day of college
• http://udlonline.cast.
org/page/module1/l
152/

16. Review & Discussion Question
• When you find out that you have to pay a
parking ticket, what part of of brain is
activated?
Affective Network
• When you hear that you have a test coming
up, how does your brain work?

17. Which network do we focus on the
most in school?
Why could this be a problem?

18. Central Role Of Technology
Assistive Technology
• Tools to assist learner
UDL
• Barrier free learning environment
Combination required for student
success
Retrieved from:
http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/toolkits/presentations/AIR_Toolkit/HTML/11_UDL_and_AT/slide_11_01.htm

19. Technology Examples
calculators wheelchairs
spell check Touch activated speech device

20. References
 Amen, D. (2005) Making a good brain great. New York:
Harmony Books.
 Center for Applied Special Technologies, CAST, found at
http://www.cast.org/
 Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Brain Research and
Universal Design for Learning. Baltimore: Author.
 Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Universal
Design for Learning.Baltimore: Author.
 UDL supported with Assistive Technology
http://homepage.mac.com/seilts/udl_at/index.html

21. Everyone’s Networks work differently:
Humans
recognize
strategize
feel (affective)
in our own ways.