Task 3. Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework and teaching approach that aims to reduce unnecessary learning barriers by proactively addressing the diverse needs, abilities, and interests of all learners. In Task 3, you will explore this concept further through videos and readings.

2. READING - The UDL Guidelines by Cast 

Set a timer for 20 minutes. Within this alloted time, you will try to comprehend how the Universal Design for Learning Guidelines table is structured. 

Scroll down to see the table. First, familiarize yourself with the overall structure - what are the three principles of UDL that make up the columns of the table? Then, click on each specific element that interests you to learn more in detail. You don't need to (and cannot) remember everything in the table - your goal is to understand what should be provided to learners in order to ensure meaningful and challenging learning opportunities to all learners. You will learn more about how UDL is implemented in classrooms in the Rose & Gravel (2010) chapter below.

3. READING - Rose, D. H., & Gravel, J. W. (2010). Universal design for learning. In P. Peterson, E. Baker & B. McGraw (Eds.), International encyclopedia of education. Oxford: Elsevier. 

You'll read "Chapter 4: Universal Design for Learning" in this book. This part goes into fantastic detail about what Universal Design for Learning really means. This should be of particular interest to anyone planning to work in special education or speech-language pathology or anyone just interested in better learning design. Pay close attention to the three principles of UDL. Being able to describe these and identify examples of them will be really important for several activities this semester.

**Access the book using this link. You will have to create a free account as a teacher to read the chapter. This web version of the book has some nice accessibility features that might be useful to you. I particularly like the option to have any text that you highlight read to you. You're just reading all of chapter 4 - and there are videos included that you are not required to view but might help to explain UDL a bit better.

4. READING - The Difference Between UDL and Traditional Education

Review the table on this page to compare the differences between UDL and traditional education. 

5. Roundtable Reflection

1. Visit our online roundtable session:

   • • Class A: https://go.parlayideas.com?invite_code=MLpNnhs1N 

     • Class B: https://go.parlayideas.com?invite_code=BvkNELWKL 

2. Choose "Continue with Microsoft." Use your UGA email and password to log in.   

3. Share your reflection - write at least a paragraph; around 100-150 words for each question (1-3).

   • • 1. What was most meaningful and/or interesting to you in task 3, and why?

     • 2. Reflect on your learning experiences as a student. Among the various aspects and elements of UDL, which were most frequently lacking in many classes, but you think needed to be included?

     • 3. If you were to improve the UDL Guideline table, what changes or additions would you make, and why? (there is always room for improvement in anything, so don't say that it is already comprehensive and no changes are needed.)

     • 4. Two questions that can make your classmates think deeply about the topic. It's a good idea to pose a question that makes connections between the initial readings in Unit 1 and UDL. You can also share something that you didn't understand fully.

4. Post thoughtful comments to at least 2 posts. 

   • • In your comment, you need to include 1) your thoughts about the classmates' reflection, 2) your response to the questions posed by your classmates.

     • Please spread the wealth; if you notice a classmate who have not yet received a comment, consider posting one first. 

     • A friendly reminder: Interacting actively with your peers counts for a participation score (5% of the total grade).

** When responding to others' posts, please be respectful of different perspectives. This is a place for safe and constructive dialogue where we can all learn from each other. As tone can sometimes be difficult to convey online, please carefully consider how your words might come across before posting. Please follow the same rules regarding language and behavior that you would in a face-to-face classroom.