The goal of education in the 21st century is not simply the mastery of content knowledge or use of new technologies. It is the mastery of the learning process. Education should help turn novice learners into expert learners—individuals who want to learn, who know how to learn strategically, and who, in their own highly individual and flexible ways, are well prepared for a lifetime of learning.
From: http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines
What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?
Universal design for leaning (UDL) is an approach to teaching that promotes all curriculum being made accessible to all students. Meaning that all curriculum can be used and understood by everyone - essentially, barrier-free curriculum. The goal of UDL is for all individuals to gain knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for learning while showing their learning in multiple ways.
UDL recognizes that the brain has a variety of ways in which information is taken in, stored, processed, and connected to information. Teachers who create universally designed curriculum recognize that all of their learners have different learning needs and wants and are prepared for these individuals, regardless of how they learn. The principles of UDL are:
Are you a UDL Teacher?Are you a UDL Teacher? Download the checklist below to self-assess yourself.
How can you do UDL?If you are just starting to incorporate UDL into your classroom, access to your content is a great way to start. One of the biggest curriculum barriers students face is that their reading ability does not match their intellectual ability. This means that a student who has a great aptitude for science, but cannot read the textbook, will not get to show his or her true talent of the subject.
Starting with "access" will allow your students to access curriculum materials. Electronically accessible materials allow students to access reading through electronic devices (iPads with Siri are especially good for this), computers with reading software installed (or free online programs such as Natural Reader). To make your materials available electronically, you will need to house them electronically. Moodle, iTunesU, edmoto, and websites such as Weebly, are just a few examples of how you can create electronic access to your materials. Each icon below links to its homepage. MoodleIf you choose to make a Moodle (my preferrence), and you are in Nova Scotia, you may need to contact your Board's Moodle Administrator to get an account set up. Below is a list of contacts for each Board. This screen shot is current as of December 2014. The image also links to https://nsvs.ednet.ns.ca.
There are also some great Moodle tutorials available at https://nsvs.ednet.ns.ca/m19dev/mod/resource/view.php?id=11216.
UDL Web LinksAn interactive online tool for learning about UDL. http://udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com
A great resource for all your UDL needs. http://www.cast.org/index.html
CAST is an educational research & development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning. http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/whatisudl
A one-stop-shop for all of your UDL questions, lesson support, resources, etc. http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2011/110830/Universal-Design-for-Learning--Meeting-the-Needs-of-All-Students/
A great read for resource teachers - how to meet the needs of all students through UDL. http://udlselfcheck.cast.org
This site to help you apply UDL principles in your teaching to reach and engage all of your students. The goal of UDL is to enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for learning. Learn about UDL, Check Your Curriculum, or Explore Resources for ideas on how to build options and flexibility into each element of your curriculum. http://www.udlresource.ca
The content of the site was developed from a variety of print and online resources and is intended to provide K-12 educators with a starting point for implementing Universal Design for Learning in their classrooms. http://udlessonplans.wikispaces.com/Sample+UDL+Lesson+Plan
What does a UDL unit plan look like? Check out this lesson plan to see UDL in action. http://www.ryerson.ca/lt/resources/supporting_students/universal_design/ Universal Design for Learning is not just limited to grade school learning. Check out this page from Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario, outlining its school's Universal Design for Learning subcommittee of the University Access Advisory Committee. |
"The Myth of Average" by Todd Rose is an essential video to watch to help understand what is truly meant by universal design. Be prepared to be inspired!
This short video provides a basic overview of the components of universal design for learning.
CAST is an educational research & development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning. Below is one of their videos.
This video was designed by students to show their understanding of UDL.
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If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow. ~ John Dewey