Universal Design for Learning (UDL) aims to make education accessible to all students by providing multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement. Its principles originated from universal design in architecture seeking to make buildings accessible. UDL utilizes technology like PowerPoints, podcasts, and online collaboration to engage diverse learners through varied presentation of content and expressions of knowledge. It supports students with disabilities or learning differences like ADHD, ELL, or giftedness. Research shows UDL benefits all students by accommodating different learning styles to create an enriched environment where higher success leads to greater engagement and fewer behavior issues.

1. Universal Design for Learning (UDL)Suzanne GudjonisWalden UniversityEDUC-7109Dr. Timothy GreenJanuary 15, 2011

2. UDL InspirationThe idea for Universal Design Theory stems from the building and architectural world. There was a need to make all buildings accessible to all people. This concern for change brought about the idea of UDL

3. UDL in the Real WorldProviding alternatives to everyday issuesLarge print textbooksAutomatic doorsAlternative to stairs

4. Let’s watch a short video about UDL…While viewing the video think about the various aspects that are being utilized to help reach multiple styles of learning.Equal Access: Universal Design of Instruction

5. UDL and the 3 Neural Networks

6. UDL and TechnologyThe central role of technology in UDL is to provide varied ways of presenting content information to students in their primary learning style in instruction and in the learning process. Allows students more access to information, makes getting baseline assessment easier, and helps all types of learners with multiple ways to learn the same concept

7. UDL and TechnologyPrinciple I: Multiple Means of Representation: Powerpoint, Podcasts, elmo, ebooks, oral lecturesPrinciple II: Multiple Means of Action and Expression: wikis, blogs, or other online forumsPrinciple III: Multiple Means of Engagement: online collaboration and webquests

8. How can UDL help us?

9. UDL and Student Learning ADHDELLEBDOHIEconomic and cultural differencesADDDIFFERENTIATION GiftedIEPSLDSpeech and Language504Slide courtesy of Laine Pagan, FSA Elementary

10. UDL and Student Learning Students that have more success will want to learn moreStudents with a higher success rate at their level and specific type of learning will provide a more positive learning environment. This could lead to fewer behavior issues as students will be engaged in their learning process

11. Brain Research“UDL is consistent with what is being found in brain research, which indicates that students do not have one learning capacity but rather many multifaceted learning capabilities. Recent brain research tells us that learning is distributed across interconnected neural networks.” (Springfield Technical Community College Web Site)

12. What about the diversity in our classrooms? “UDL turns this scenario around and supports curriculum design that is responsive to today’s diverse classrooms.UDL improves educational outcomes for ALL students by ensuring meaningful access to the curriculum and accurate skill and knowledge assessment. In addition UDL complements existing school reform initiatives.” (Universal Design for Learning Task Force)

13. Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)-online toolsCAST UDL lesson plan archives (http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/explore.php)This resource can help to ensure that when planning a lesson thought is given to the differences in our students and the help to ensure that they are being accounted for in the classroom

14. Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)-online toolsCAST UDL lesson plan archives (http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/explore.php)CAST Ideas and Information (http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/) This resource provides a collection of ideas and further information for educators (and parents) to review in order to keep on top of the importance of UDL for our students

15. Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)-online toolsCAST UDL lesson plan archives (http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/explore.php)CAST Ideas and Information (http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/) CAST Classroom profile (http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/classprofile.cfm) This resource provides a method for teachers to analyze their current practices and be able to then make adjustments as needed to provide a UDL learning experience for all students

16. How can UDL help us? UDL will help teachers plan for all learning stylesUDL will make the classroom more engaging and provide an enriched learning experienceUDL is supported via the CAST web site and has a multitude of resources for teachers

17. In the big picture….UDL will help teachers, help students to becoming successful learners.Thank You!

18. referenceshttp://www.cast.org