Incorporating Universal Design for Learning and Assistive Technology

in College TutoringBy Erin Turner

Acronyms

• UDL = Universal Design for Learning

• AT = Assistive Technology

What Is UDL?

• Making learning accessible to all students

• Students learn in unique ways

• Reduce barriers to learning

• Customizable and individualized

BUT . . .

• UDL is NOT learning styles!

• UDL removes barriers to learning

• UDL does not prescribe an auditory, visual, and kinesthetic approach for each lesson

3 Principles of UDL

Is UDL Only for Students with Disabilities?

NO!

Who Can Benefit from UDL?

• Students who are weak in a subject

• Adult learners

• English language learners

• Students with preferred modalities

• Students learning new material

• Students from other cultures

A Brief History of UDL

• Originated from Universal Design in architecture

• Design buildings to be usable to widest range of people

• Examples: automatic doors, elevators, curb cuts, door levers

How Can I Use UDL in Tutoring?

• Multiple means of presentation– Verbally, text, whiteboard, handouts, computer,

role play, guided discovery, video, demonstration

• Multiple means of expression– Verbally, written, typed, whiteboard, drawn, role

play, teaching others

• Multiple means of engagement– Listening, watching, interacting, group work,

collaborations, independent research, demonstrating

What Is Assistive Technology?

• Technology used by individuals with disabilities

• Used to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible

Examples of AT in Education

• Screen readers

• Screen magnifiers

• Spell checkers

• Closed captioning

• Text-to-speech software

• More examples with reviews

Sources

• Wikipedia • UDL Center• AccessIT• bs-v-folie-1-gruppe-tutor by alogenius• Alphabets by kvanhorn• Lyle Classroom by LyleSMU102• The Letter L by Nina Matthews Photography• Exclusion by sandphin• 20111031-OCIO-RBN-2189 by USDAgov