Universal Design for Learning

Changing our Paradigm of thought.

What is it?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a set of principles for

curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities

to learn.

Why do we need it in our curriculum?

• Our current school of thought is to correct the student to fit the needs of our curriculum in World Language study.

• Our school of thought needs to be about how to correct the curriculum to fit the needs of the student.

How was UDL inspired?

Architecture of buildings were designed for people who could walk with ease up and down the stairs.

This was a problem!

Solution: Add Ramps

Universal Design Solution

Build stairs and ramps in the original architecture.

The Brain and learning differences

Three Neural Networks of UDL

• Recognition• Strategic• Affective

Recognition

• Location- back of head• Sensory patterns • Recognition systems know what and

where an object is.

Strategic

• Location – front half of the brain• Processes plans and actions• Strategic systems know how to do things

Affective

• Location – middle of the brain• Emotions• Affective systems know which objects

and actions are important.

Central role of technology in UDL

• Assistive/Adaptive Technology• Remediation• compensatory

Assistive/Adaptive Technology

• Specialized keyboards

• Glare control screens for monitors

• Hearing Aids

Remediation

• Software designed to help students practice specific needs—spelling, math drills

Compensatory Technologies

• Tools for accomplishing school-related assignments.

• Keyboarding• Calculators• PowerPoint

UDL and Diversity

• Bridging the “Digital Divide”

• Choosing Appropriate Software: Translators

• Collaborative work• Self created work

The CAST Online Tools and Resources

• UDL Goal Setter• UDL Class Profile Maker• UDL Solution Finder

UDL Goal Setter

• Setting the goal for the Unit• Finding multiple ways of reaching the goals• Team goals of instruction: Unit, methods, and

various materials.

UDL Class Profile Maker

• Interest surveys• Multiple Intelligence

tests• Ice breakers• Teams distribute

surveys to students at beginning of school year.

UDL Solution Finder

• Choosing and creating student-centered lessons and technology

• Teams will choose appropriate software and other technological tools to create lessons based on surveys taken by students.

Three Processes of UDL• Representation• Expression• Engagement

Impact of UDL on Student Learning

• Increased confidence built in students

• Creativity and critical thinking skills improved

• Patience and understanding by teachers of diverse learners

• Excitement of students to learn

Universal Design for Learning: Let’s change our paradigm of thought!

By Regina Wright

Sources:FAME: The learning Brainhttp://www.oln.org/ILT/ada/Fame/udl/f2_18_173.html

http://www.smith.edu/deanoffaculty/Burgstahler.pdf

UDL Tool Kit:http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/toolkits/tk_procedures.cfm?tk_id=61

Chapter 4: What is Universal Design for Learning? The Framework for UDL: Three Principleshttp://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/chapter4_3.cfm

Books:Technology and the Diverse Learner—Marty Bray, Abbie Brown, Timothy D. GreenIntegrating differentiated Instruction Understanding by Design—Carol Ann Tomlinson and Jay McTighe