Member-only story

UDL University: Designing for Variability Across the Curriculum

Jesse Bell

·14.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Randy Laist

4 min read

1.5k View Claps

82 Respond

Save

Listen

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that guides the design of learning environments and materials to be accessible and effective for all learners, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. UDL provides a proactive approach to meeting the diverse needs of students by providing multiple means of representation, engagement, and assessment.

Principles of UDL

The UDL framework is based on three principles:

Representation: UDL provides multiple ways for learners to access information. This can include providing text, audio, visual, and kinesthetic representations.
Engagement: UDL provides multiple ways for learners to interact with and participate in learning activities. This can include providing hands-on activities, group work, and independent study.
Assessment: UDL provides multiple ways for learners to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. This can include traditional assessments such as tests and essays, as well as portfolios, presentations, and projects.

Benefits of UDL

UDL has many benefits for students, including:

UDL University: Designing for Variability Across the Curriculum

by Randy Laist

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	413 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	254 pages

Increased access to learning: UDL can provide students with disabilities access to learning opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable to them.
Improved engagement and motivation: UDL can help students to become more engaged and motivated in their learning by providing them with multiple ways to access and interact with the material.
Improved academic performance: UDL has been shown to improve the academic performance of students with and without disabilities.
Increased independence and self-determination: UDL can help students to become more independent and self-determined in their learning by providing them with the tools and strategies they need to succeed.

Implementing UDL in the Classroom

There are many ways to implement UDL in the classroom. Some common strategies include:

Providing multiple representations: Provide students with text, audio, visual, and kinesthetic representations of information. This can be done through the use of different textbooks, websites, videos, and hands-on activities.
Offering multiple engagement activities: Provide students with a variety of ways to interact with and participate in learning activities. This can include hands-on activities, group work, and independent study.
Using flexible assessment methods: Provide students with multiple ways to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. This can include traditional assessments such as tests and essays, as well as portfolios, presentations, and projects.
Creating a positive and supportive learning environment: Create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students. This includes being respectful of diversity, providing students with the resources they need to succeed, and encouraging them to take risks.

UDL University

UDL University is a free online resource that provides information and training on UDL. The website offers a variety of resources, including:

Online courses on UDL: UDL University offers a variety of online courses on UDL, including introductory courses, advanced courses, and courses on specific topics such as UDL in math and science.
UDL resources: UDL University provides a variety of UDL resources, including lesson plans, handouts, and videos.
UDL certification: UDL University offers a UDL certification program for educators who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in UDL.

UDL is a powerful framework that can be used to design learning environments and materials that are accessible and effective for all learners. UDL has many benefits for students, including increased access to learning, improved engagement and motivation, improved academic performance, and increased independence and self-determination. UDL University is a free online resource that provides information and training on UDL. The website offers a variety of resources, including online courses, UDL resources, and UDL certification.

UDL University: Designing for Variability Across the Curriculum

by Randy Laist

4.1 out of 5