UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING

Melissa HerbWalden University

Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through TechnologyEDUC-6714I-3

Dr. Rachel BordelonNovember 24, 2011

UDL, what is it?

UDL is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn.

UDL helps in creating instructional goals for everyone, these are flexible, as there is no one-size-fits all solution

Inspiration

UDL was inspired by a movement in architecture, which was formulated by Ronald Mace.

UDL applies the idea of universal design, which was originally for constructing buildings, to learning. This is where curriculum is designed for all learners.

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3 Principles

Recognition “Recognize essential cues and patterns”

(CAST, 2011) Strategic

“Master skillful strategies for action” (CAST, 2011)

Affective “Engage with learning” (CAST, 2011)

http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/udl/udl_03.html

Principle #1Recognition

Recognition is providing methods that are flexible in their presentation.

Multiple representations of the concepts that are being taught.

Recognition is the “what” of learning.

Examples of Recognition

Verbal chart description Tactile graphic representation Computer read text Enlarged texts Customize background Vary volume and rate of speech

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Principle #2Strategic

Strategic is the “how” of learning.

Strategic helps students with “planning and executing tasks” (Learning Ally, 2011)

This is learning information in a variety of ways.

Examples of Strategic

Demonstrate understanding in variety of ways (written reports, iMovies, PowerPoints)

Voice activated switches Expanded keyboards Variety of alternatives to interacting with

materials Using physical manipulatives Using spelling and grammar checks Giving feedback

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Principle #3Affective

Affective is the “why” of learning

This network deals with emotion.

It helps to decide the priorities a person has, along with what should be focused upon.

Examples of Affective

Providing choices in rewards Providing choices in colors and designs Set and display educational goals Allow students to work in pairs

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Technology in UDL “Technology and the Universal Design for

Learning come together around individualized piece” (Scholastic Inc, 2011) of learning.

Students are different, so new technologies help in making information different for the students. Technology can help students by giving them meanings, definitions, or more while they are learning.

Since each student is different, technology can help deliver the information differently to suit the students’ needs.

Technology can help the students at their level.

Examples of Technology in UDL

Electronic versions of texts Ability to give immediate and constant

feedback Changes in font and color in software

programs Ability to have book or word read to

student

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Impact of UDL on Student Learning

Students are more engaged in learning

UDL challenges students, yet makes them feel comfortable in their learning.

UDL can help in translating for those students that are not yet English speaking.

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Brain research on learning differences

“No two students are alike in their learning” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009)

Research has found that there are three different networks in the brain. These networks are: Recognition Strategic Affective

Recognition Network

Located in the back of the head Deals with sensory organs, such as eyes,

ears, nose

Strategic Network

The “how” network Located in the front of the head

Affective Network

The “why” of learning This network is located in the core of the

brain and it helps to develop preferences.

UDLs support of differences

UDL “supports each learner appropriately and adjusts as the learner changes over time” (ASCD, 2011).

UDL “treats individual differences as an equally important focus of attention” (CAST, 2011)

www.creativeclassroomsolutions.com/creativeclassroomsolutions/Universal_Design_for_Learning.html

CAST tools

Goal Setter at http://www.cast.org/teachingevery student/tools/udlgoalsetter.cfm

UDL Class Profile Maker at http://www.cast.org/teachingevery student/tools/classprofile.cfm

UDL Solutions Finder at http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/udlsolutionsfinder.cfm

References A Study on Universal Design Learning (2011). Impact on Student Learning. Retrieved

on November 24, 2011 from http://sites.google.com/site/astudyonudl/impact-of-udl-on-student-learning

ASCD (2011). Using UDL to Support Every Student’s Learning. Retrieved on November 24 from http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/101042/chapters/Using-UDL-to-Support-Every-Student%27s-Learning.aspx

National Center on Universal Design for Learning. (2011). http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlevidence

Scholastic Inc. (2011). Research and Advisors Webinar Series http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/ReadAbout/research/webinars_rose.htm

Learning Through Listening. (2011). Learning Ally: Universal Design for Learning. http://www.learningthroughlistening.org/Universal-Design-for-Learning-UDL/UDL-and-Listening/180/

Wikipedia (2011). Universal Design for Learning. Retrieved on November 23 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Design_for_Learning