This document discusses Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which aims to make education accessible to all students regardless of ability or disability. [1] It was inspired by universal design in architecture which aims to make buildings accessible to all. [2] UDL recognizes that students learn in different ways and provides multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression. [3] Technology can help implement UDL principles by providing tools to appeal to different learners and accommodate disabilities. When teachers apply UDL, it positively impacts all students by differentiating instruction to meet diverse needs.

1. UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING
Cora Blades
EDUC 7109
Walden University
January 13, 2013

2. INSPIRATION BEHIND THE
UDL MODEL

3. INSPIRATION
• The Universal Design Theory
generated from an architectural
view.
• The architectural designers believed
their was a need to build structures
that would meet the needs of all
people. As a result, this is where the
idea for the UDL was generated.

4. APPLYING THE PRINCIPLES OF THE
UNIVERSAL DESIGN TO LEARNING

5. EXAMPLES OF THE UD AND LEARNING
 Examples of the Universal Design in the physical
environment clearly states that learning does not
come in one size fits all package. With this in mind the
UD makes accommodations for students with physical
and/or learning disabilities.
 Some resources that teachers can use with their
struggling students are:
Digital Storytelling Mimio Boards
Close Caption Students Response Systems

6. THE THREE NEURAL NETWORKS OF UDL

8. ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN UDL
 The primary role of technology in the Universal Design of
Learning is to assist students who have disabilities with being
successful in the classroom.
 Three examples of technology are:
- Multimedia Text appeals to the visual and auditory learners through the use of
nonfiction e-books. Comprehension and vocabulary are enhanced by listening
to narrated text.
- My StudyBar provides study support for all learners. Learners navigate from the
toolbar tools that assist with reading and writing.
- KEYTEC provides touchscreen interactive support for students with disabilities.

9. TECHNOLOGY AND DIFFERENTIATED
INSTRUCTION

10. TECHNOLOGY AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR
LEARNING

11. IMPACT OF UDL ON
STUDENT LEARNING

12.  Implementing the UDL
yields a positive impact for
all learners. Instruction is
differentiated so that all
learners are academically
successful. The
appropriate
accommodations are
made to meet the divers
learning styles and needs
no matter what the
student’s disability may
be.

14. According to Hardiman if teachers knew
“how the brain works, and how it can
adapt, they will begin to look differently at
their students. Whether they’re older
kids, lower-income kids, et cetera, the
teachers will know that they don’t have to
treat these kids differently. [The students]
can adapt and learn just like everyone else”
p. 7 (The Science of Learning).

15. UDL IMPLICATIONS FOR INSTRUCTION
AND LEARNING

16.  When teachers implement the UDL into their
current teaching curriculum they
 “Address learner diversity at the point of curriculum design—including
curricular goals, methods, materials, and assessments—to anticipate the
great variety of learner needs, preferences, and styles found in today’s
classrooms;
 Builds the tools and methods of differentiation right into the
curriculum, giving teachers “on demand” access to such resources and
options rather than requiring their development during instruction;
 Provides learners with the tools to become more self-aware and in
charge of their learning rather than having to rely exclusively on teachers
to make modifications” (Johnson, 2013).

17. REFERENCES
CAST http://www.cast.org
eSchool Media, Inc. (2011). The science of learning: how current brain
research can improve education. Retrieved from
http://gsehd.gwu.edu/documents/gsehd/resources/gwuohs-
onlineresources/research/eschoolmedia_star_brainresearchimproveed
ucation.pdf
Johnson, D. (2013). Universal design for learning and differentiated
instruction: compatible approach. Retrieved from
http://www.donjohnston.com/research/articles/udl_diff_inst_cast.html
KEYTEC, INC http://www.magictouch.com/assistivetech.html
MyStudyBar http://eduapps.org/?page_id=7#What+is+MyStudyBar%3F
TrueFlix
http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/trueflix_freetrial/index.htm