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Universal Design Learning principles take a Holistic approach to learning in which the curriculum, procurement, the LMS, and the school policy support the needs of all learners (Educause Learning Initiative, 2015). Such a learning environment provides a variety of options to demonstrate mastery and numerous opportunities for active engagement in the learning process. However, a number of aspects of holistic education beyond 'the idea of combining body and mind or cognitive and affective skills' are all about considering inclusive learning, diversities, varied real-life experiences, different aspects of understanding and learning.
Similarly, Universal Design for Learning is about considering various layers of meaning, expressions, or actions. It is a framework for designing materials and instructional methods usable by a wide range of students. The aim is providing full access to special needs learners through technologies, while also offering significant affordances for all students to benefit from learning presented through multiple sensory avenues and a variety of conceptual frameworks. Learners should be treated and provided with opportunities equally which is relevant to the entirety of a class. The most impressive part of holistic education is combining personal experiences to the formal learning that resonates with UDL too.
So, the meeting points of 'Holistic Approach and UDL' or 'Technology and Holistic learning' are learners’ varied potentials, active collaboration, varied expressions and meanings, multiple representations, reflections, creativity, criticality, alternative assessments, empathy and respect for diversity.
Reference:
- Seven Things You Need to Know about Universal Learning. Educause Learning Initiative (2015)
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