Universal Design For Learning (UDL) Kimberly Dean Walden University EDUC 7109 January 15, 2012

Universal Design for Learning is an expansion of an architectural movement called universal design. Initially created by Ron Mace at North Carolina State University, the idea behind universal design in architecture is to create structures that are envisioned, planned, and erected to accommodate all users, especially those with disabilities.  

Universal Design throughout the World

Universal Design In Learning

Universal Design In Education

What does this mean for our classrooms? It means our students will have an increased access to materials that will support learning by using research based strategies that will accommodate all learners. By incorporating UDL, our students will not have a single, one-size-fits-all solution but rather flexible approaches that can be tailored and customized for their own individual need. Flexibility and improved approach to learning in our classrooms.

3 Principles of UDL Recognition - The What Strategic – The How Affective – The Why

Recognition All students learn differently. With UDL, their learning will become as diverse as our classrooms. Students will be able to learn in a way they will understand. Multiple medians can be used for learning.

Strategic Students are allowed to “show” what they know. Students will be allowed to choose the way they prove their learning. Students will be allowed more opportunities for meaningful learning.

Affective Increasing student interest will increase their learning. All students will be successful, which in turn builds their confidences. Students will become more self-directed learners.

Research The research behind UDL shows that all learners differ and use three networks to process information. These three networks are the Recognition, Strategic, and Affective. A number of studies have appeared to concur with the CAST, Center for Applied Special Technology, conclusion. The ACCESS project with Colorado State University has done a preliminary study to show UDL to increase students achievements.

Technology and UDL Incorporating technology with UDL

Impact of UDL At LHMS Student learning will increase along with their confidence. Achievement scores at our school will increase. Students will be excited to learn. Bad Behavior will decrease with increased student engagement.

CAST Tools Center for Applied Special Technology UDL Book Builder – educators can develop their own digital books to support reading instruction. http://www.cast.org/learningtools/book_builder/index.html UDL Curriculum Self Check – educators can build options and flexibility into their curriculum. http://www.cast.org/learningtools/udl_self_check/index.html CAST UDL Editions – leveled supports to build reading strategies. http://www.cast.org/learningtools/udl_editions/index.html UDL Guidelines - http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines

Con’t Cast Tools UDL Online Modules – two modules to introduce the theory to teachers. http://www.cast.org/pd/OnlineModules/index.html Lesson Builder – helps teachers to customize lessons according to the needs of the students. http://www.cast.org/learningtools/lesson_builder/index.html

References CAST, Teaching Every Student. (2010). Tools and activities. Retrieved January 12, 2012 from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/ Center for Applied Special Technology. (2009). UDL guidelines, version 1.0. Retrieved January 13, 2012 from http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines/principle1 Colorado State University. (2010). The history and philosophy of UDL. Retrieved January 12, 2012 from http://accessproject.colostate.edu/udl/documents/philosophy.cfm Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Brain research and universal design for learning. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.