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Universal Design for Learning (UDL)​

What is UDL?

 

UDL, simply put, is a total mindset shift in the design of learning materials and instruction to ensure every student starts with appropriate learning opportunities. Rather than continue with a system that waits to make acomodations and modificatins for students until they are already behind, schools and teachers implementing UDL understand that learning, by design, should allow all students to begin with accessible, appropriate materials and instruction.

 

As learners, Greenway students have varied sklls, needs, and intrests. UDL is a promising method for intgrating technology in such a manner that learning at GHS is as unique as the many students we serve.

Employing Universal Design in your own practice

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Thanks to CAST, a non-profit run by the National Center on Instuctinal Materials, you can learn a great deal about Universal Design with a simple web search, or by visiting the CAST Webste, which provides a thorough introduction to UDL and guidelines for effective UDL implementation.

 

In adition, the link below includes a downloadable version of a worksheet that helps teachers, curriculum direcors, administrators, etc. assess how their learnng materials align with three major principle of Universal Design for Instruction:

1. Multiple Means of Representation

2. Multiple Means of Action & Expression

3. Multiple Means of Engagement

What does Universal Design "look like"?

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Universal design is everywhere around us! Consider a sidewalk that is accessible for a person using a wheelchair. The design of the sidewalk not only makes it useful for the person in the wheelchair, but also for a person delivering packages for UPS or simply out for a run in the neighborhood. Consider another example with the moving walkways now found in many airports. Not only might this moving corridor help somebody with a walker, but it would also assist someone who has kids, had a recent surgery, struggles walking for long distances, or is simply in a hurry.

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In education, UDL reinforces and enhances what great teachers already do.  Recognizing the importance of neuroscience, UDL recognizes that all learning must factor in what students learn, how students learn, and why they are learning it. A sample UDL-friendly lesson, therefore, might:

  • Be designed with technology to include images or recorded audio definitions to support student understanding of new vocabulary.

  • Include cooperative learning or a simulation in order for students to actively practice or express their learning in an original way. (A group designs an atom model in order to demonstrate their understanding).

  • Allows students autonomy or choices in how they will demonstrate evidence of meeting the learning goal (a choice of projects for meeting unit goals or state standards).
     

  

Using UDL in Your Own Practice: Some Ideas...

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Universal The following pages include links to "tip-sheets" including a number of ideas for using Universal Design in your own content area and lessons. This is just a starting place! As you have questions or need other ideas,send an e-mail or complete the Google Form for Integration Time and we'll brainstorm together!

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