Universal Design for Learning

DefinitionA set of principles for curriculum

development the give all individuals equal opportunities to learn (www.cast.org).

Universal design means designing instructional materials so individuals with differences in their abilities to see, hear, speak, move, write, understand English, attend, organize, engage, and remember can achieve their learning goals (ERIC-OSEP, 1999).

Origin of Universal Design

Universal design originated in the field of architecture as designers create structures that make it easier for the disabled to gain access to building and other structures. Some common examples are curb cuts, ramps, and automatic doors.

Assistive TechnologiesWheel chair/shopping cart

Ramp for wheel chair

UDL in EducationUDL allows teachers to adapt the curriculum more easily to meet the wide range of students’ learning needs (ERIC-OSEP, 1999).

UDL in Education

Support the design for

learning that greatest needs

Digital media provides greatest

flexibility

Provide multiple media to

demonstrate mastery

Digital Media

Principles of UDLMultiple

representation

• pictures• Sound• symbols

Multiple expression and

action

• organizing• planning

Multiple means of motivating and

engaging

• Choice of media to express feeling and emotions

The Nature of the Brain and UDLThe UDL principles are based on the multifaceted nature of the brain (Cennamo et al, p. 117)

Brain Networks

•“what” of learning•Sensory information – letters, words, Pictures, sound.

•Symbols – music•Organizes features to tell distinguishing features

Recognition networks •The “how” of learning

• Involves action and expression through, problem identification, planning, organizing etc.

Strategic Networks

•The “why” of learning•Operates on feelings and emotions.

Affective networks

Teaching Strategies That Support Recognition Networks (Video attached)

Teaching Strategies that Support Strategic Networks

Incorporate multiple media and formats to demonstrate

mastery

Provide ongoing relevant feedback

Provide

opportuni

ties for

practicing

skills

Teaching Strategies that support Affective Networks

Provide students with a wide choice of media and Tools that will motivate and engage them as they strive to achieve particular goals, methods and assessments

Role of Technology in UDLAll students have different ways they

recognize, organize, and express information. They also have different ways they prefer to be engaged and ways in which their affective differences can emerge (Rose, 2009).

Technology offers teachers the best option for meeting most of the various needs of their students.

ReferenceBray, M., Brown, A., & Green, T. (2004). Technology and the diverse

learner: A guide to classroom practice. USA: Corwin Press, INC.  Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration

for Meaningful Classroom Use. USA: Laureate Education, INC.

 ERIC-OSEP Special Project, Council for Exceptional Children. Research Conections in Special Education, Number 5, Fall 1999. Universal design, ensuring access to the general education curriculum. Retrieve May 26, 2011, from http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Advanced_Search&template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=2628

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: David H. Ross, EdD.