Everything you want to know about UDL! By Marie Neels-Johnson

 UDL was initially developed in the field of Architecture.  When engineers initially began designing buildings they did not have a universal design in place. They would design buildings with only one main entry that had stairs leading up to it.  After much consideration and a changing environment they realized that they needed to have a universal design set in place to make sure that their buildings accommodated all possible entries and assessabilities.  The following pictures show before UDL and then after UDL

As you can see there is only one means of entry and that is by stairs, this does not accommodate people using wheel chairs.

Now this picture shows a building with a wheel chair ramp so that it is accessible by all. Also after this UDL for buildings came out they also started putting the divot in concrete sidewalks as well.

 Provide Multiple Means of Representation (the “what” of learning)  Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression (the “how” of learning)  Provide Multiple Means of Engagement (the “why” of learning)

 As educators we are to present material in many different ways.  No two learners learn the same.  For example, I may teach addition to a student that needs to visually see the concept with a manipulative rather than with paper and pen.

 This means as educators we need to be mindful that we all express ourselves in our own ways, and providing a means of choice when it comes to assessments helps to show our students true expression.  For example a student that likes to do hands on activities may want to produce a diorama instead of a written report to showcase their knowledge.

 We need to keep our students interested in the subject matter being taught, we can do this by providing multiple and varied levels of choices.  As educators we need to provide a learning community that promotes each individual students learning style and that are appropriate for all level in the classroom.

 In today's world, digital technology is a great 'hook' to engage some learners who otherwise might not be interested.  Effective teachers should be creative and resourceful in designing a learning environment that addresses the variability of learners using a range of high-tech and low- tech solutions.  The goal of UDL is to create environments in which everyone will have the opportunity to become expert learners, and the means to get there, be it tech or non- tech, should be flexible.expert learners

 Recognition networks: helps us to differentiate between one thing and another, the familiar and the unfamiliar, and help us to recognize patterns about information taken in through the senses.  Strategic networks: how we organize and express our ideas.  Affective networks: how learners get engaged and stay motivated

 Being an early childhood facility we as educators need to be establish the foundation for UDL at an early age so that they are better prepared when they get to the elementary levels.  We can do this by accommodating for all levels of learners including those with IEP’s. We should be prideful of this and advertise that we have a universal design for learning.

 CAST resources:  UDL Book Builder: UDL Book Builder: Helps to create a digital book to use with your students.  UDL Lesson Builder : UDL Lesson Builder : Provides examples and instructs educators on how to meet the needs of each individual.  UDL Curriculum Self-Check: UDL Curriculum Self-Check: helps educators build options and flexibility into each element of the curriculum (goals, methods, materials, and assessments) in order to reach and engage all students  Learning Wheel Learning Wheel  Additional Resources Additional Resources