Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning is a set of principles for curriculum development that gives all individuals equal opportunities to learn.Assignment: As in the face-to-face classroom, you will have online learners with special needs. Read the Universal Design for Learning articles posted below and write 2 paragraphs with a description and suggestions for how you can implement UDL to meet the needs of all of your online learners.

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What is Universal Design for Learning?

http://www.cast.org/research/udl/index.html

Universal Design for Learning Guidelines

http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines

My Work and My Scenario:

UDL is an approach to teaching that is designed to support diverse student populations. The UDL principles help teachers provide learning supports so that all students can succeed in school. UDL is unique because, unlike previous models for accommodations for learning differences, UDL means differentiating instruction during lesson design--on the front end--for the whole class so that instruction is provided in multiple ways to meet the needs of all learners. UDL makes adaptations less necessary for individual students because the differentiation is built into the lesson. UDL often includes the use of technology to engage and challenge students. UDL lessons include multiple means of representation--students are given information in different ways, multiple means of action and expression--students can express what they know in different ways, and multiple means of engagement--students' various interests are tapped and the motivation of all learners is increased.

There are many ways to implement UDL to meet the needs of all online Literature Circle learners. Students can read text online, they can listen to the audio version of the novel, they could order (online!) a Braille version of the novel, or they could listen to the text with the Text to Speech feature built into the computer. Students can respond through written activities. Web 2.0 tools such as Skype allow for video and audio or text features for students to collaborate on projects. Students can also respond to literature by creating and uploading PowerPoint or a video presentation to share on the Web. They can respond by creating a digital poster with Glogster. Students can practice vocabulary skills when they play high-interest vocabulary games at sites like at Quizlet.com. Online students can be grouped to provide peer support for projects. To assist all learners with organization, online students would have detailed assignments posted by their instructor. They can also use PBL Checklists and Rubrics for their projects so they know exactly what is expected. Online instructors also possess the ability to offer feedback and redirection during student projects when students work using interactive tools such as Google docs and Google Presentation. The opportunities for designing online lessons with the principles of UDL seem endless!