An Overview of the
Universal Design for Learning
Suzanne Rainey ~ Revised July 2014
What is UDL?
• Universal Design for Learning
• Research-Based Theory
• Guides curriculum, lesson planning, and
implementation to meet the needs of all
learner
• Maintains high
achievement standards for
all students (CAST, 2011)
• Based on “cognitive
neurosciences”
Inspiration and Physical Examples
• Originated in architectural field to make places
more accessible
– Wheelchair ramps/Appropriate parking spaces
– Indoor and outdoor step and vehicle lifts
• Shift from the architectural
field to students who were
struggling with:
– Disabilities
– Language development
– Motivation
UDL Overview
Principles and Practice
A brief overview of UDL principles and practices
from the National Center on Universal Design
for Learning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGLTJw0GS
xk&list=PLDD6870F2D42327F3
Principles of UDL and Brain Research
• Based on the power to be flexible and provide
choice to students
1. Access: Provide multiple means of
representation – WHAT?
2. Assessment: Provide multiple means of
action and expression – HOW?
3. Engagement: Provide multiple means of
engagement – WHY?
Brain Research and
Different Networks
Recognition Network
• How we gather facts and
categorize using sensory
information
• Helps people identify
sounds, smells, textures,
sights, and tastes
• Examples:
– Identifying letters
– Identifying words
– Identifying author’s style
Strategic Network
• How we organize and
express ideas
• Planning and performing
tasks by sending messages
to muscles
• Examples:
– Writing
– Solving problems
– Playing sports
Affective Network
• How learners get engaged
and stay motivated
• Controls emotions
• Examples include HOW a
person is:
– Challenged
– Excited
– Interested
– Fearful
So What Does that Matter?
• No two students are alike.
• Students have differing ways of recognizing,
interpreting, organizing, and engaging with
information
• Helps determine strengths and weaknesses in
individual students
Examples of Instructional Methods
• Create lessons that are universal and designed to make
sure everyone learn
• Use visuals often
– Graphic organizers
– Guided notes
• Incorporate technology
– Whole/small/individual use
– Blogs, wikis, vimeo, ipads, laptops, classroom websites,
etc.
• Include hands-on and authentic learning methods
– Virtual field trips
– Manipulatives
– Foldables
Graphic Organizer Examples
Foldable and Virtual Field
Trip Examples
Visit the following link to view ten examples of
virtual field trips:
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2013/04/07/ten-of-
the-best-virtual-field-trips/
Technology and UDL with Examples
• Technology is a MUST!
• Technology can level the playing field, while
also challenging all learners to be successful
• Technology Uses:
– Assistive Technology
• Adapted to meet the needs of learners
• Examples: Communication devices,
speech to text
– Supportive Technology
• Examples: Online textbooks, blogs, websites
Technology and UDL Video Connection
For more information
on technology as it
relates to UDL,
check out the
following video.
https://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=zLHYb
CMOCBo
Student Learning and UDL
• Designed to meet the needs of all learners
• Struggling students
• Students with disabilities
• English Language Learners
• Gifted students
• Reduce barriers to student
learning, especially through
the use of technology
Brain Research and Learning Differences
• UDL is a “framework for making curriculum more
inclusive” (CAST, 2011).
• Brain research tells us that every child learns
different so teachers should:
– Incorporate technology (both assistive and supportive)
– Vary assignments and projects
– Give choices, when possible
– Use visuals
– Include hands-on learning and
authentic learning
Instruction and Learning with UDL
• Teachers meet the needs of all learners, (students
with disabilities, students from various cultural,
ethnic, linguistic, and academic backgrounds)
when they use methods of instruction based off
of the UDL framework.
• Include students in the planning process and
make sure they understand the outcome of
lessons.
Central Role of Technology and UDL
CAST Resource #1
• UDL Book Builder:
– Allows students and teachers to create digital books
– Builds reading comprehension and fluency
– Use with children ages three and up
– Would meet English curriculum goals in districts where students
struggle with reading on-grade level
– Engages students through audio, picture creation, and writing
processes
– Could be used across the curriculum
• I would use this as a way of motivating students to write. They
could make their writing into a book and share with the class.
• This resource meets my academic goals in my classroom because
it would engage students in the writing process as well as allow
them an outlet to share their writing with the class.
CAST Resource #2
• Strategy Tutor:
– Engages students in reading and researching online
– Students are able to gather and understand online information
easier through the organization system
– Teachers use this resource to compile lessons rich in research-based
strategies and ideas
– Engages and motivates learners to find information to share with
others.
• I would use this resource first as an organization tool for creating
lessons for use in my classroom.
• Then I would use it with my students when they are gathering
information to complete research papers or oral projects about
the books that we read in class.
• This resource meets my academic goals in my classroom because
it would be an engaging way to help students understand the best
options for collecting information from online resources.
CAST Resource #3
• UDL Editions:
– A tiered support system that builds on reading strategies for
struggling readers
– Helps students understand author’s purpose
– Accessible for ELL students
– Includes glossaries, text aids such as highlighting, and enrichment
activities
– Students are encouraged to “Stop and Think” while reading so they
do not miss important information
• I would use this resource in small groups to build on the mini-
lessons that I teach with each unit.
• Students would be able to practice what they learn in an
engaging, online manner that utilizes researched-based methods.
• This resource meets my academic goals in my classroom because
it would act as enrichment for the mini-lessons I already teach.
Students would be able to practice previously taught strategies.
Resources
• CAST. (2011). “UDL curriculum self-check. Retrieved from
http://udlselfcheck.cast.org/
• Howard, K. L. (2004). Universal design for learning: Meeting the
needs of all students. Learning & Leading with Technology,
31(5), 26–29. Retrieved from the Walden University Library
using the Education Research Complete database.
• Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching an
engaging all learners through technology: Universal Design for
Learning. Baltimore, MD: Author.
• National Center on Universal Design for Learning. (2011, March
15). UDL guidelines–Version 2.0. Retrieved from http://
www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines
• 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/
UDL Presentation

UDL Presentation

  • 1.
    An Overview ofthe Universal Design for Learning Suzanne Rainey ~ Revised July 2014
  • 2.
    What is UDL? •Universal Design for Learning • Research-Based Theory • Guides curriculum, lesson planning, and implementation to meet the needs of all learner • Maintains high achievement standards for all students (CAST, 2011) • Based on “cognitive neurosciences”
  • 3.
    Inspiration and PhysicalExamples • Originated in architectural field to make places more accessible – Wheelchair ramps/Appropriate parking spaces – Indoor and outdoor step and vehicle lifts • Shift from the architectural field to students who were struggling with: – Disabilities – Language development – Motivation
  • 4.
    UDL Overview Principles andPractice A brief overview of UDL principles and practices from the National Center on Universal Design for Learning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGLTJw0GS xk&list=PLDD6870F2D42327F3
  • 5.
    Principles of UDLand Brain Research • Based on the power to be flexible and provide choice to students 1. Access: Provide multiple means of representation – WHAT? 2. Assessment: Provide multiple means of action and expression – HOW? 3. Engagement: Provide multiple means of engagement – WHY?
  • 6.
  • 7.
    Recognition Network • Howwe gather facts and categorize using sensory information • Helps people identify sounds, smells, textures, sights, and tastes • Examples: – Identifying letters – Identifying words – Identifying author’s style
  • 8.
    Strategic Network • Howwe organize and express ideas • Planning and performing tasks by sending messages to muscles • Examples: – Writing – Solving problems – Playing sports
  • 9.
    Affective Network • Howlearners get engaged and stay motivated • Controls emotions • Examples include HOW a person is: – Challenged – Excited – Interested – Fearful
  • 10.
    So What Doesthat Matter? • No two students are alike. • Students have differing ways of recognizing, interpreting, organizing, and engaging with information • Helps determine strengths and weaknesses in individual students
  • 11.
    Examples of InstructionalMethods • Create lessons that are universal and designed to make sure everyone learn • Use visuals often – Graphic organizers – Guided notes • Incorporate technology – Whole/small/individual use – Blogs, wikis, vimeo, ipads, laptops, classroom websites, etc. • Include hands-on and authentic learning methods – Virtual field trips – Manipulatives – Foldables
  • 12.
  • 13.
    Foldable and VirtualField Trip Examples Visit the following link to view ten examples of virtual field trips: http://www.eschoolnews.com/2013/04/07/ten-of- the-best-virtual-field-trips/
  • 14.
    Technology and UDLwith Examples • Technology is a MUST! • Technology can level the playing field, while also challenging all learners to be successful • Technology Uses: – Assistive Technology • Adapted to meet the needs of learners • Examples: Communication devices, speech to text – Supportive Technology • Examples: Online textbooks, blogs, websites
  • 15.
    Technology and UDLVideo Connection For more information on technology as it relates to UDL, check out the following video. https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=zLHYb CMOCBo
  • 16.
    Student Learning andUDL • Designed to meet the needs of all learners • Struggling students • Students with disabilities • English Language Learners • Gifted students • Reduce barriers to student learning, especially through the use of technology
  • 17.
    Brain Research andLearning Differences • UDL is a “framework for making curriculum more inclusive” (CAST, 2011). • Brain research tells us that every child learns different so teachers should: – Incorporate technology (both assistive and supportive) – Vary assignments and projects – Give choices, when possible – Use visuals – Include hands-on learning and authentic learning
  • 18.
    Instruction and Learningwith UDL • Teachers meet the needs of all learners, (students with disabilities, students from various cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and academic backgrounds) when they use methods of instruction based off of the UDL framework. • Include students in the planning process and make sure they understand the outcome of lessons.
  • 19.
    Central Role ofTechnology and UDL
  • 20.
    CAST Resource #1 •UDL Book Builder: – Allows students and teachers to create digital books – Builds reading comprehension and fluency – Use with children ages three and up – Would meet English curriculum goals in districts where students struggle with reading on-grade level – Engages students through audio, picture creation, and writing processes – Could be used across the curriculum • I would use this as a way of motivating students to write. They could make their writing into a book and share with the class. • This resource meets my academic goals in my classroom because it would engage students in the writing process as well as allow them an outlet to share their writing with the class.
  • 21.
    CAST Resource #2 •Strategy Tutor: – Engages students in reading and researching online – Students are able to gather and understand online information easier through the organization system – Teachers use this resource to compile lessons rich in research-based strategies and ideas – Engages and motivates learners to find information to share with others. • I would use this resource first as an organization tool for creating lessons for use in my classroom. • Then I would use it with my students when they are gathering information to complete research papers or oral projects about the books that we read in class. • This resource meets my academic goals in my classroom because it would be an engaging way to help students understand the best options for collecting information from online resources.
  • 22.
    CAST Resource #3 •UDL Editions: – A tiered support system that builds on reading strategies for struggling readers – Helps students understand author’s purpose – Accessible for ELL students – Includes glossaries, text aids such as highlighting, and enrichment activities – Students are encouraged to “Stop and Think” while reading so they do not miss important information • I would use this resource in small groups to build on the mini- lessons that I teach with each unit. • Students would be able to practice what they learn in an engaging, online manner that utilizes researched-based methods. • This resource meets my academic goals in my classroom because it would act as enrichment for the mini-lessons I already teach. Students would be able to practice previously taught strategies.
  • 23.
    Resources • CAST. (2011).“UDL curriculum self-check. Retrieved from http://udlselfcheck.cast.org/ • Howard, K. L. (2004). Universal design for learning: Meeting the needs of all students. Learning & Leading with Technology, 31(5), 26–29. Retrieved from the Walden University Library using the Education Research Complete database. • Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching an engaging all learners through technology: Universal Design for Learning. Baltimore, MD: Author. • National Center on Universal Design for Learning. (2011, March 15). UDL guidelines–Version 2.0. Retrieved from http:// www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines • 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/