Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

1. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Sara Becker Walden University EDUC 7109 January 15, 2012

2. UDL- Inspiration • Universal Design was an architectural movement created by Ron Mace at North Carolina State University. This movement encouraged building designers to consider the needs of everyone using the building in their design.

3. Universal Design in the Physical Environment

4. Universal design applied to learning • UDL is intended to help all students achieve success by removing barriers from teaching methods and materials • UDL provides flexibility in the curriculum, improved access to information, and improved access to learning

5. Brain research and learner differences • Learning is distributed across 3 neural networks • All learners differ within and across the 3 networks- ex. Students with ADHD learn differently than students with Autism • UDL supports diversity in learners by appealing to all 3 networks in varied ways

6. 3 Neural networks of udl • Recognition- The “What” • Strategic- The “How” • Affective- The “Why”

7. Recognition Network • Enables us to identify and interpret through our senses • UDL Principle- Represent information in multiple formats and media

8. Strategic network • Enables us to plan execute and monitor mental and motor actions • UDL Principle- Provide multiple means of student action and expression

9. Affective network • Enables us to attach emotions to objects and actions • UDL Principle- Provide multiple ways to engage students’ interest and motivation

10. Role of technology in UDL • Remove barriers • Provide options for presentation of information-i.e. digital text, video, audio • Provide option for scaffolding student learning • Provide varied choices for student expression- i.e. writing a blog, creating a movie

11. Impact of UDL at IDPCS • UDL could have a great impact on student learning and success • Greater engagement and motivation • Increased achievement

12. CAST tools • Book Builder: http://www.cast.org/learningtools/book_builder/index.html This tool enables teachers to create their own digital books. Text-to-speech as well as vocabulary support are built in. Different animated characters encourage readers to use different reading skills/strategies as they read, providing examples and helpful hints. This tool can be used in lower elementary grades to support early reading skills and instruction

13. CAST tools • UDL Editions:http://www.cast.org/learningtools/udl_editions/index.html This tool provides leveled supports to help build reading strategies and help readers understand different elements of texts. Accessibility and language features, glossary and vocabulary support, as well as other resources are included. This tool can be used in the upper elementary and middle school grades to support reading skills and strategies.

14. Cast tools • Lesson Builder: http://www.cast.org/learningtools/lesson_builder/index.html The Lesson Builder enables educators to customize their curriculum to meet individual learning needs. Teachers are able to input information into the lesson builder and can utilize different tools to make the lesson a UDL lesson.

15. References CAST (2011). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.0. Wakefield, MA: Author. Firchow, N. (2010, February). Universal design for learning-improved access for all. Retrieved from http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/785-universal-design-for-learning-improved-access-for-all.gs Rose, D. H., Meyer, A., Strangman, N., & Rappolt, G. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Retrieved fromhttp://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes