Definition of Universal Design for Learning:
The design of instructional materials and activities to make the curriculum equally accessible and appropriately challenging for individuals of differing ability, background, and learning styles. It is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn. (http://www.cast.org/udl/)
Why is UDL necessary?
Individuals have a huge variety of skills, interests, and needs to learning. Neuroscience reveals that these differences are as varied as well as unique as our DNA or fingerprints. (http://www.cast.org/udl/)
What are the UDL guidelines?
The universal design for learning (UDL) guidelines are classified into three main principles of UDL which includes representation, expression, and engagement. For each of these areas, there are specific checkpoints/standards that should be followed. (http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines)
Three primary principles guide UDL and provide sturcture for the Guidelines:
1) Provide Multiple Means of Representation:
Perception, Language, expressions, and symbols, comprehension
2) Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression:
Physical action, Expression and ommunication, and Executive function
3) Provide Multiple Means of Engagement:
Recruiting interest, Sustaining effort and persistence, and Self-regulation
(http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines)
Perception, Language, expressions, and symbols, comprehension
2) Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression:
Physical action, Expression and ommunication, and Executive function
3) Provide Multiple Means of Engagement:
Recruiting interest, Sustaining effort and persistence, and Self-regulation
(http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines)
Helpful website for UDL:
National Center for on Universal Design For Learning http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/whatisudl
Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) http://www.cast.org/about/index.html
Glogster about UDL http://abroberts08.edu.glogster.com/glog-universal-design-for-learning/