1. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) By: Bryan Bird

2. A set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn. Serves to create instructional goals, methods, and assessments that work for everyone Offers flexible approaches that can be customized for individual learners’ needs. What is UDL?

3. Extension of architectural movement called Universal Design Architects realized the need to create access for all potential users of a building Universal Design for Learning extends this idea to education by incorporating flexible access to information and learning for students. Inspiration for UDL

4. Examples of UDL in the Physical Environment

5. Principle #1: Provide multiple means of representation (the “what” of learning) Examples: Changing the size and color of text Voice-recognition software Teaching vocabulary terms in more than one language Use advance and graphic organizers Mnemonic devices Principles of UDL

6. Principle #2: Provide multiple means of action and expression (the “how” of learning) Examples: Alternative keyboards Touch screens Use physical manipulatives Use spell and grammar checkers Use calculators and geometric sketchpads Principles of UDL

7. Principle #3: Provide multiple means of engagement (the “why” of learning) Examples: Allow students to help design activities and tasks Help students set academic goals Differentiate difficulty and complexity of tasks Cooperative learning groups Principles of UDL

8. The role of technology in UDL is to help make it easier to customize the curriculum for individual learners. Technology allows this customization to be more efficient because it can be done quickly. It also allows more options when customizing learners’ experiences. Lastly, it helps students master the many literacies involved in technology that they need to be successful in our society. Central Role of Technology in UDL

9. Examples: Electronic versions of textbooks Captioned or narrated videos Word processors with word prediction software Speaking spell checkers Voice-recognition software Central Role of Technology in UDL

10. Students will feel more comfortable in their learning environment Students will be more engaged in their learning Gives students more responsibility and voice in the way they learn Impact of UDL on student learning

11. There are three learning networks in the brain. Recognition: Processes patterns Strategic: Processes actions and plans Affective: Processes emotions and evaluates patterns Brain Research and Learning Differences

12. Implications for Instruction: Vary means of presentation Provide information through multiple modalities (visual, hearing, touch) Clarify vocabulary and symbols Activate or supply background knowledge Recognition Network

13. Implications for Instruction: Vary methods for response and navigation Use multiple media for communication Facilitate managing information and resources Strategic Network

14. Implications for Instruction: Motivate for learning Stimulate interest Optimize individual choice and autonomy Foster collaboration and communication Affective Network

15. Curriculum self-check: http://udlselfcheck.cast.org/ This can be used to analyze how well teachers are incorporating UDL ideas and principles into their classrooms Lesson Builder: http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/ This tool can be used to build lessons that align with UDL principles. You can also view example of UDL lessons UDL Tech Toolkit: http://udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com/ This site gives several resources that teachers can use in their classrooms such as graphic organizers, math tools, literacy tools, and writing tools CAST Tools

16. National Center for UDL http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/ NECTAC: http://www.nectac.org/topics/atech/udl.asp References