UDL: SHARING IDEAS, BUILDING RESOURCES

Presentation by Valerie Adams

What is UDL?

UDL (Universal Design for Learning) is a set of principles for curriculum development that gives all individuals equal opportunities to learn (CAST, 2011).

Inspiration for UDL

Why would any teacher want to use UDL?

UDL allows teachers to differentiate instruction to reach all learners.

When using UDL strategies, teachers can reach more students by engaging them in the lessons rather than telling them about the concept.

What can you expect to learn using UDL?

UDL has three basic principles associated with the learning process of students.

I. Multiple Means of Representation II. Multiple Means of Action ExpressionIII. Multiple Means of Engagement

Principle 1: Provide Multiple Means of Representation (the “what” of learning

Teachers should provide different ways for students to comprehend the material.

Students should have various strategies and lessons available to them to help comprehend the concept.

This principle basically states that students should have options.

Principle II: Provide Multiple Means of Action Expression (the “how” of learning

Teachers should allow students to show what they know in various ways.

Students should have an opportunity to demonstrate what they know through various methods.

Principle III: Provide Multiple Means of Engagement (the “why” of learning

Teachers should challenge students through various ways allowing them to have more interaction with their lesson.

If they are included in the lesson, they will become more motivated to learn.

All students should be engaged in the lesson.

How will UDL impact our students?

When UDL is incorporated into the curriculum, students become more engaged in their lesson and motivated to learn more about the topic.

These students are engaged in their learning.

These students are disconnected from the lecture and not learning as much as students who are engaged.

Textbooks and related workbooks limit our students. We want to motivate our students to become their best, not hold them back.

Technology and UDL

Technology allows teachers to vary from lecture only lessons. Students disconnect from lectures, but learn when they are engaged in the lesson.

Technology allows teachers to use multimedia presentations with Power Point and digital storytelling.

Teachers can incorporate Smartboards, ELMO projectors, and computers into the lesson and engage all students.

Technology

Technology promotes higher levels of achievement and success for all students.

The students become more active in their education if they are interested in the lessons.

What do we know about UDL from brain research?

Recognition

This part of the brain helps us gather and process information.

Strategic

This part of the brain helps us

plan and perform tasks.

Affective

This part of the brain helps

learners engage and stay

motivated.

How does UDL support diversity?

All students do not learn the same nor constructed the same.

UDL process helps engage students who have learning disabilities through various activities and strategies by allowing them to show their knowledge in different ways.

The UDL principles gives all students an equal opportunity to learn and not hinder them because of cultural, ethnic, linguistic or academic differences.

CAST Online Tools

Lesson Builder

The Lesson Builder teaches educators to customize standard based curriculum to meet individual learning needs.

CAST Online Tools Strategy Tutor

The Strategy Tutor helps support students and teachers doing reading and research online.

The Strategy Tutor helps students understand research better and more efficiently and helps teachers construct web-based lessons.

CAST Online Tools

Book Builder

The Book Builder allows teachers to develop digital books to support reading instruction.

References

Accessible Classroom Primer. (2011). The Accessible Classroom: Universal Design for Learning. Retrieved November 26, 2011 from http://cte.jhu.edu/accessibility/primer/resources/universal_design/universal_design.html

CAST, Inc. (2002–2011). Teaching every student: Tools and activities. Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/

NECTAC (2011). Universal Design for Learning and Assistive Technology. Retrieved November 26, 2011 from http://www.nectac.org/topics/atech/udl.asp

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/