Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

As part of my graduate studies at Cabrini College, I have been asked to develop this blog to review and explain how Assistive Technology (AT) can be used in the classroom to create a student-friendly learning environment.  Children have different needs and learn in a variety of ways, so our classrooms must engage every type of learner.  Our job as educators is to find and implement strategies/tools that will encourage all students to become active learners.  One of the most common methods for engaging students through Universal Design for Learning (UDL). 

What is UDL?

Great question! The following blog will explain UDL and describe how it can be implemented in our classrooms.  

UDL Wiki Site

I learned an immense amount of information from this wiki site.  If you would like to check out the site yourself click here, but the following paragraphs will highlight the information I found to be very useful and significant. 

Universal Design for Learning is a curriculum framework designed to assist educators with meeting the diverse cultural, physical, intellectual and learning needs of students.  Everyday people benefit form Universal Design.  For instance, indented sidewalks are a type of universal design that we all benefit from on a daily basis.  Indented sidewalk can be used for multiple purposes and for a variety of reasons. Universal Design for Learning supplies multiple avenues for learning.  As educators we need to consciously differentiate lessons and include technology that will support the needs of all of our students. 

UDL supports every type of learner from every walk of life; including those with physical handicaps and moderate 
to sever disabilities

Universal Design for Learning has three principles:

1. Multiple Means of Representation: provide students with different avenues for accessing information.  For instance, E-books assist every type of learner by making text interactive.  E-books can be bought online or created on PowerPoint.  In addition, E-books assist students with visual impairments and children with learning disabilities.
2. Multiple Means of Expression: provide students with a variety of ways to demonstrate their understanding of concepts.  For example, non-verbal students are not capable of orally presenting work; however, there are a variety of technological devices and application that can assist these students.  Text-to-Speech software is a computer application design to speak typed text.  Now, non-verbal children have a voice!  Students love technology, so use it to your advantage when trying to create different avenues for expression.  Have your students create Wikis and Podcasts.  
3. Multiple Means of Engagement: be creative with lessons and activities to attract the interest of all learners and inspire them to participate.  Allow students to pick their research topics and product (essay, video, artwork and etc).  Interactive materials such as YouTube or E-books are known to keep students engage.

For my visual learners here is a fun video to learn a little more about UDL

Watch this Video to Learn more! 

The UDL principles are valuable to all professions.  No two people are identical; we all have different strengths and weakness.  The workplace and our classrooms need to be considerate of how people differ.  I know when I'm planning my own classroom I will take in account the vary needs of my students.  For those of you in other careers, I hope you learned something here and apply able to apply the knowledge in your field.

Follow my blog to learn how UDL has impacted me as an educator! 

 References:

 [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://udl.wiki.ciu20.org/home