UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING

NANCI LEE

Introduction to Universal Design

Universal Design was a term coinedby architect Ronald Mace.

Design Principles for the whole population:1. Equitable Use2. Flexibility in Use3. Simple & Intuitive4. Perceptible Information5. Tolerance for Error6. Low Physical Effort7. Size/Space for Approach & Use

Universal Design in Education

Educational framework based on research in the learning sciences that foster development of flexible learning environments which support individual learning differences.

Recognition Networks “the what”Most of posterior half of brain’s cortex recognizes patterns (visual,auditory, and olfactory stimuli) to help receive and analyze information.

UDL Foundations: Brain-based Learning Networks

Strategic Networks “the how”The frontal lobes are responsible for planning and executing actions.

Affective Networks “the why”The limbic system (core of the brain) isthe network responsible for emotion andhelps evaluate and set priorities.

UDL 3 Principles for Effective Instruction

Principle I. Provide Multiple Means of Representation(1) Providing the same information through different sensory

modalities (e.g., through vision, hearing, or touch)

Customize display of informationStudents have options to customize the display of information and choose a template

that works for them.

Alternatives for auditory informationStudents have options to hear auditory information through the use of video captioning

in order to make content accessible to students who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard

of hearing, or deaf blind.

Alternatives for visual informationStudents have options for visual information through text-to-speech application for students who are

visually

Impaired.

UDL 3 Principles for Effective Instruction

(2) Options for Language and Symbols

Options that define vocabulary and symbolsStudents understand and define vocabulary and symbols through image cues and a text based

definition to increase depth of vocabulary knowledge.

Options that clarify syntax and structureStudents can use an auto summarize tool which highlights the structural features of a

document to

help clarify structure.

Options for decoding text or mathematical notation Students can use multiple means of representation to help students decode mathematical

notation.

Options that promote cross-linguistic understanding Students can use an online dictionary in their native languages to help build vocabulary and

background

knowledge.

Options that illustrate key concepts non-linguistically Students can use a visual dictionary illustrating key concepts non-linguistically.

UDL 3 Principles for Effective Instruction

(3) Options for comprehension

Options that provide or activate background knowledgeStrategies on this online blog includes ideas and examples that help anchor

instruction by activating

relevant background knowledge.

Options that highlight critical features, big ideas, and

relationshipsHighlights critical features by decreasing distractions and helps students focus on

the main idea.

UDL 3 Principles for Effective Instruction

Principle II. Provide Multiple Means of Action And

Expression(4) Options for physical action

Options in the mode of physical responseVirtual keyboard where students can type using a mouse, trackball, or similar

pointing device.

Options in the means of navigation Students with print-disabilities can use formats such as Braille, audio, large print, and

electronic text.

(5) Options for executive functions

Options that guide effective goal-settingWorksheets that help students set goals.

UDL 3 Principles for Effective Instruction

Options that support planning and strategy developmentOrganizational features support students' ability to plan and

strategize

Options that facilitate managing information and resourcesGraphic organizer tools to help students manage information,

resources and

organize their thoughts.

Options that enhance capacity for monitoring progressWith the iPad, teachers can now easily walk around and record

the information on

an ongoing basis.

UDL 3 Principles for Effective Instruction

Principle III. Provide Multiple Means of Engagement(7) Options for recruiting interest

Options that increase individual choice and autonomyFree reading motivation program for children in grades K-8. Children can

choose from thousands of book titles to motivate interest.

(8) Options for sustaining effort and persistence

Options that heighten salience of goals and objectives Rubric Maker is a great resource for creating rubrics that make goals

and

objectives meaningful to students.

(9) Options for self-regulation

Options that develop self-assessment and reflection

An effective way to develop students' self-reflection and assessment skills. 

Potential Impact of UDL on Student Learning

When teachers Set Goals, Analyze status, Apply UDL, and Teach UDL lessons, studentlearning will increase and can improve educational outcomes for diverse learnersby applying the principles to the development of goals, instructional methods, classroom materials and assessments.

CAST Online Tools

CAST UDL Curriculum Self-CheckLesson or unit evaluation tool where teachers can usethe self-check option to remove any barriers in theircurriculum (goals, methods, materials, and assessment)which may hinder learning. Good reflection tool for teachers.CAST Lesson BuilderOffers customized model lesson plans and strategiesto create lessons that support UDL principles.Cast Strategy TeacherAccess professional development resources, check the database ofteacher-created lessons that you can use or revise for your own

classes, orcreate your own strategy-supported lessons.