Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning: 

Universal Design for Learning Connecting Everyone to Learning By: Monica King Jones

What is Universal Design for Learning?: 

What is Universal Design for Learning? UDL is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn.

Where did the UDL concept begin?: 

Where did the UDL concept begin? Initially, the concept for Universal Design for Learning did not involve education. In the early 1990s, an architect, Ron Mace, at North Carolina State University with their Center for Universal Design came to a conclusion that all products, buildings and environments should be designed to function for all people without making alterations or modifications.

Examples of Universal Design in our Environment:: 

Examples of Universal Design in our Environment: Wheelchair accessible sinks

Examples of Universal Design in our Environment:: 

Examples of Universal Design in our Environment: Automatic doors

Examples of Universal Design in our Environment:: 

Examples of Universal Design in our Environment: Access ramp

So what is UDL Really?: 

So what is UDL Really? The term UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING means a scientifically valid framework for guiding educational practice that: (A) provides flexibility in the ways information is presented, in the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and in the ways students are engaged; and (B) reduces barriers in instruction, provides appropriate accommodations, supports, and  challenges, and maintains high achievement expectations for all students, including students with disabilities and students who are limited English proficient. (CAST, 2011)

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Every brain contains certain learning networks. What makes us different from one another is how each brain processes the data it receives through these networks. How we process information grows and changes as we grow and change and the same goes for our students. They are critically impacted by this because they are constantly growing and changing.

PowerPoint Presentation: 

N o two students learn in the exact same manner; therefore, in order to be effective teachers, we must tailor our instruction to meet the needs of ALL students.

PowerPoint Presentation: 

“Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that addresses the primary barrier to fostering expert learners within instructional environments: inflexible, “one-size-fits-all” curricula. It is inflexible curricula that raise unintentional barriers to learning.” (CAST, 2011)

Why UDL?: 

Why UDL? Because, UDL helps address learner variability by suggesting flexible goals, methods, materials, and assessments that empower educators to meet these varied needs. (CAST, 2011)

PowerPoint Presentation: 

The UDL concept focuses on three principles that are related to what we learn, how we learn and why we learn.

Three Principles: 

Three Principles Principle I : Provide Multiple Means of Representation (the “what” of learning) Principle II : Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression (the “how” of learning) Principle III : Provide Multiple Means of Engagement (the “why” of learning)

Principle I: Provide Multiple Means of Representation~ Recognition: 

Principle I: Provide Multiple Means of Representation~ Recognition Recognition networks are specialized to sense and assign meaning to patterns we see; they enable us to identify and understand information, ideas, and concepts. (Rose & Meyer, 2002) Purpose: To provide multiple means of representation, such as: graphic organizers audio readings Wordle virtual field trips, etc. The “what” of learning

Principle II: Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression~ Strategic: 

Principle II: Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression~ Strategic Strategic networks are specialized to generate and oversee mental and motor patterns. They enable us to plan, execute, and monitor actions and skills . (Rose & Meyer, 2002) Purpose: To provide multiple means of action and expression, such as: setting goals for learning providing options in how students receive information and exhibit knowledge of comprehension (i.e. audio recording, text, art, text, etc.) The “how” of learning

Principle III: Provide Multiple Means of Engagement~ Affective: 

Principle III: Provide Multiple Means of Engagement~ Affective Affective networks are specialized to evaluate patterns and assign them emotional significance; they enable us to engage with tasks and learning and with the world around us . (Rose & Meyer, 2002) Purpose: To provide multiple means of engagement, such as: self checklist t angible and non-tangible incentives True/authentic assessments The “why” of learning

Where does technology fit in all of this?: 

Where does technology fit in all of this?

Benefits for the YMS Wolf Pack:: 

Benefits for the YMS Wolf Pack: Teaching stimulated and highly engaged students that want to learn Developing more self-directed learners An increase in teacher and student expectations Meeting the needs of all learners that we encounter

Here are some resources to get us started:: 

Here are some resources to get us started: CAST: Professional Development This provides two free online modules that will explain the theory, principles and applications of UDL. Blogs from the Field - UDL Connect This is on the CAST website as well. It provides assistance from other educators regarding the effectiveness of UDL in the classroom. CAST: Learning Tools This is an awesome page that provides many resources to plan lessons, self-check curriculum and many other helpful tools.

References: 

References CAST. (2011, 1 February). The concept of UDL National Center on Universal Design for Learning. Retrieved January 22, 2012 , from http:// www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/whatisudl/conceptofudl CAST. (2011, 1 February). The three principles of UDL National Center on Universal Design for Learning. Retrieved January 22, 2012 , from http :// www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/whatisudl/3principles 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/