Universal Design For Learning

Thomas Moore

Inspiration for Universal Design for Learning

• UDL began in the field of architecture. They began to change building designs so that they accommodated all people.

• Examples of this include accommodations for handicapped people.

3 Principles of UDL

• Provide multiple means of representation

• Instructional methods include: providing instruction for the different types of learners, visual, auditory, kinetic, etc.

3 Principles of UDL

• Provide multiple means of action and expression

• Instructional methods include differentiated instruction, alternative assessments and implementation of technology in the classroom.

3 Principles of UDL

• Provide multiple means of engagement

• Instructional methods include alternative assignments and alternative assessments.

The Central Role of Technology in UDL

• The central role of technology of UDL in the classroom is that it allows the teacher great flexibility in all areas of the classroom. It allows the teacher to assess different students at different levels in different ways. It also allows the students greater flexibility when it comes to instruction.

The Potential Impact of UDL on my Students

• UDL allows the teacher to effectively reach the whole class and not just target the majority. It allows for greater engagement because the students are being reached on their level. Greater engagement almost always means great academic achievement.

What Brain Research Tells us About Learning Differences

• Dr. David Rose tells us there are 3 basic networks of the brain:

• Recognition – sensory and processes patters

• Strategic – processes actions and plans

• Affective – emotion – processes emotions and evaluates patterns

The Implications of the UDL Brain Research

• Based on brain research the 3 basic principles of UDL were created. Teacher design of lessons will be based on those 3 principles. This will allow for greater achievement for all students in the classroom and not just the majority.

The Central Role of Technology in UDL based on Brain Research

• The central role of technology in UDL based on brain research will be to provide an avenue for the teacher to provide student specific instruction and assessment.

Cast online tools and resources

• UDL Book Builder – This would be a great tool to use in the classroom. This can be used to by the teacher to design engaging lessons for all students.

• UDL Lesson Builder – This allows the teacher to build proper lessons based on UDL principles and would help in the creation of UDL based instruction.

• UDL Curriculum self-check – This allows for the teacher to check the effectiveness of their curriculum and instructions is based on UDL principles. This is a great way to self-evaluate.

Resources• Center for Applied Special Technology. (2009). Learning Tools.

Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/learningtools/index.html

• Center for Applied Special Technology. (2009). UDL guidelines, version 1.0. Retrieved from http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines

• Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.

• Rose, D., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/