Universal Design for Learning in Today s Classrooms

1. Universal Design for Learning in Today�s Classrooms This tutorial on Universal Design for Learning will begin with an introduction to the UDL framework. Subsequent segments will provide examples of flexible methods of engagement, presentation and expression that are applicable to classroom settings. The final segment will discuss ways to jumpstart UDL in the classroom. Let�s get started. In the past 10 years, we�ve seen a significant digital shift. We are using digital tools more and more in our everyday life. This tutorial on Universal Design for Learning will begin with an introduction to the UDL framework. Subsequent segments will provide examples of flexible methods of engagement, presentation and expression that are applicable to classroom settings. The final segment will discuss ways to jumpstart UDL in the classroom. Let�s get started. In the past 10 years, we�ve seen a significant digital shift. We are using digital tools more and more in our everyday life.

2. Segment 1 An Introduction to Universal Design for Learning

3. What are you doing digitally in your everyday life? Paying for gas Getting directions Buying plane tickets Getting cash Finding a movie Renting a movie Finding a zip code Finding a phone number Getting the weather Getting a recipe How many of these everyday tasks are you now doing digitally? How many of these everyday tasks are you now doing digitally?

4. What about technology in your teaching life? But an even more important question is, to what extent have you made the shift to a more digital approach to teaching?But an even more important question is, to what extent have you made the shift to a more digital approach to teaching?

5. Technology Integration FrameworkMcAnear, A. (February 2008). School-wide technology integration. Learning and Leading with Technology, p. 5. Not long ago, teachers needed to have a mastery of content knowledge (subject matter) and pedagogical knowledge (the art of teaching). Today, as cited by McAnear, teachers must also have a mastery of technological knowledge and must be able to understand how all three of these areas of mastery overlap. How does technology support subject matter? How does the use of technology in the classroom change the way we design good instruction?Not long ago, teachers needed to have a mastery of content knowledge (subject matter) and pedagogical knowledge (the art of teaching). Today, as cited by McAnear, teachers must also have a mastery of technological knowledge and must be able to understand how all three of these areas of mastery overlap. How does technology support subject matter? How does the use of technology in the classroom change the way we design good instruction?

6. Simply put, UDL is the practice of embedding flexible strategies into curriculum during the planning process so that all students can access a variety of learning solutions. So What is universal design for learning? [Read definition]So What is universal design for learning? [Read definition]

7. A National Effort �Universal design for learning (UDL) is a growing practice across the nation, one that is increasingly referenced in education policy briefs, research literature, teacher professional development, and books and articles for educators.� Sopko (April 2009). Universal Design for Learning: Policy Challenges and Recommendations. Project Forum at the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE). UDL has taken root nationally. According to the 2009 Policy Forum Report at the National Association of State Directors of Special Education, [read quote]UDL has taken root nationally. According to the 2009 Policy Forum Report at the National Association of State Directors of Special Education, [read quote]

8. �UDL is a framework that can help you turn the challenges posed by high standards and increasing learner diversity into opportunities to maximize learning for every student. Drawing upon new knowledge of how the brain works and new technologies and media now available for teaching and learning, UDL frames a systematic approach to setting goals, choosing or creating flexible materials and media, and assessing students accurately� Teaching Every Student website, Retrieved April 7, 2009 from: http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/content/mentors/site_mentor/site_mentor_udl_def.cfm) The Center for Applied Special Technology developed the theoretical framework and guidelines for UDL. The CAST website offers a tutorial on UDL and describes UDL as a framework�[read rest of the definition]The Center for Applied Special Technology developed the theoretical framework and guidelines for UDL. The CAST website offers a tutorial on UDL and describes UDL as a framework�[read rest of the definition]

9. UDL and Technology UDL strategies can be no tech, low tech or high tech. We need the flexibility of many strategies. However, today�s digital technology makes it possible to create flexible materials. Today�s technology offers the flexibility to adapt methods and materials. However, there are also many no-tech strategies such as project models or cooperative learning that fit within the framework of UDL.Today�s technology offers the flexibility to adapt methods and materials. However, there are also many no-tech strategies such as project models or cooperative learning that fit within the framework of UDL.

10. UDL is built on the premise that�. Learning differs across tasks Learning differs across development Learning differs across individuals ... Flexible options are needed to address the needs of all learners. [read slide]... Flexible options are needed to address the needs of all learners. [read slide]

11. UDL strategies for instruction are frontloaded rather than retrofitted. Rather than approaching accommodations one student at a time, UDL promotes designing the curriculum from the outset to meet the needs of a wide range of learners. Using a more proactive approach is More efficient in the long run Benefits more students And is more acceptable to studentsRather than approaching accommodations one student at a time, UDL promotes designing the curriculum from the outset to meet the needs of a wide range of learners. Using a more proactive approach is More efficient in the long run Benefits more students And is more acceptable to students

12. As with Universal design in modern architecture, universal design for learning builds in access to the curriculum from the start.As with Universal design in modern architecture, universal design for learning builds in access to the curriculum from the start.

13. Educational reforms that have set the stage for UDL Classroom demographic changes Greater understanding of brain development and learning (multiple pathways for learning) Understanding that one size does not fit all Educational legislation: Emphasis on progress for ALL children: NCLB and AYP Full inclusion ad IDEA -IA Numerous reforms have set the stage for UDL in education Demographic changes in schools and classrooms Brain research that confirms that there are multiple pathways for learning And educational legislation such as No Child Left Behind and IDEA� the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Numerous reforms have set the stage for UDL in education Demographic changes in schools and classrooms Brain research that confirms that there are multiple pathways for learning And educational legislation such as No Child Left Behind and IDEA� the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

14. Is UDL only for students with IEPs? No UDL is a framework to support the range of learners that exist in typical classrooms. This would include gifted students, disengaged students, English language learners, as well as, students with documented disabilities. Read slideRead slide

15. 3 Major UDL principles� Students have: 1. Choices which will engage student interest 2. Options for how they learn 3. Choices for how they demonstrate their learning Teachers provide: Flexible options for student engagement 2. Flexible ways of presenting lesson content 3. Flexible methods of expression, and assessment UDL is rooted in 3 main principles. These three principles emerged out of brain research on how students learn. Teachers need to provide flexible ways of engaging students, flexible ways of presenting lesson content and flexible methods of expression and assessment so that students will have choices that will engage their interests, options for how they learn and options for how they demonstrate what they have learned. UDL is rooted in 3 main principles. These three principles emerged out of brain research on how students learn. Teachers need to provide flexible ways of engaging students, flexible ways of presenting lesson content and flexible methods of expression and assessment so that students will have choices that will engage their interests, options for how they learn and options for how they demonstrate what they have learned.

16. Flexible strategies for all students are the hallmark of UDL In the next 3 segments, you will see examples of educational materials used by teachers that promote UDL. [return to the UDL menu]In the next 3 segments, you will see examples of educational materials used by teachers that promote UDL. [return to the UDL menu]

17. Segment 2 Engagement Segment 2Segment 2

18. Principle 1: Flexible options for student engagement Examples of options that engage student interest Engaging students is critical for learning. The following screen shots show examples of ways to use technology to connect teaching and learning in engaging ways.Engaging students is critical for learning. The following screen shots show examples of ways to use technology to connect teaching and learning in engaging ways.

19. ENGAGEMENT: Engaging interest in volcanic activity Building a model is an engaging way for students to learn about volcanic activity.Building a model is an engaging way for students to learn about volcanic activity.

20. ENGAGEMENT: Using podcasts to introduce a unit on Fables Podcasts of classic fables would be an engaging way to introduce a unit on Fables. These podcasts would help students understand the moral lesson which is a central theme in Fables. Podcasts of classic fables would be an engaging way to introduce a unit on Fables. These podcasts would help students understand the moral lesson which is a central theme in Fables.

21. ENGAGEMENT: Using Kidspiration with an interactive white board This lesson uses Kidspiration software to help students understand the elements of a fairy tale. It could be used with an interactive white board as a group activity, or it could be used to help an individual student review critical understandings. This lesson uses Kidspiration software to help students understand the elements of a fairy tale. It could be used with an interactive white board as a group activity, or it could be used to help an individual student review critical understandings.

22. ENGAGEMENT: All about folktales using Microsoft PhotoStory3 PhotoStory is an easy to use multimedia application. Teachers can quickly combine text, pictures, and music to create a introductory lesson. Students would find it engaging way to study and review critical information.PhotoStory is an easy to use multimedia application. Teachers can quickly combine text, pictures, and music to create a introductory lesson. Students would find it engaging way to study and review critical information.

23. ENGAGEMENT: Interactive whiteboard software to discuss vocabulary using a Freyer Model This vocabulary lesson uses the Freyer model to explore the meaning of the word �explorer.� Using an interactive whiteboard, students can move and sort graphics to demonstrate explorer characteristics. This vocabulary lesson uses the Freyer model to explore the meaning of the word �explorer.� Using an interactive whiteboard, students can move and sort graphics to demonstrate explorer characteristics.

24. ENGAGEMENT: Discussing character reactions using Inspiration Inspiration software can be used to facilitate a group discussion on character reactions and link this to events in the text. A student who needs practice and reinforcement could use the same template to analyze additional character reactions. Embedded pictures, notes and even hyperlinks to videos will enhance teaching and learning. Inspiration software can be used to facilitate a group discussion on character reactions and link this to events in the text. A student who needs practice and reinforcement could use the same template to analyze additional character reactions. Embedded pictures, notes and even hyperlinks to videos will enhance teaching and learning.

25. ENGAGEMENT: Online game where students classify animals and plants based on characteristics This web-based game allows students to classify plants and animals based on their characteristics. It would be an engaging way to reinforce the distinctive features of living organisms.This web-based game allows students to classify plants and animals based on their characteristics. It would be an engaging way to reinforce the distinctive features of living organisms.

26. ENGAGEMENT: Interactive Game on the systems of the body Here�s another web-based educational game based on �How to be a millionaire.� Students have to answer questions on body systems correctly to advance to millionaire status. Notice that there are hints to provide scaffolding to assist learners.Here�s another web-based educational game based on �How to be a millionaire.� Students have to answer questions on body systems correctly to advance to millionaire status. Notice that there are hints to provide scaffolding to assist learners.

27. http://static.howstuffworks.com/flash/roller-coaster-diagram1.swf This roller coaster simulation is a website where students can explore potential and kinetic energy.This roller coaster simulation is a website where students can explore potential and kinetic energy.

28. ENGAGEMENT: Web-based videos on curriculum themes BrainPop is a educational subscription website that provides videos, tutorials and quizzes on a wide variety of topics across a wide variety of academic subjects. Students of all ages enjoy the cartoon-like characters who introduce each new topic and provide explicit instruction and graphics to illustrate ideas. You can use the link provided to explore some of the FREE lessons. BrainPop is a educational subscription website that provides videos, tutorials and quizzes on a wide variety of topics across a wide variety of academic subjects. Students of all ages enjoy the cartoon-like characters who introduce each new topic and provide explicit instruction and graphics to illustrate ideas. You can use the link provided to explore some of the FREE lessons.

29. ENGAGEMENT: Web-based virtual manipulatives or concept tutorials for mathematics instruction (K-12) This website has many �virtual manipulatives� that allow students to explore math concepts. This website has many �virtual manipulatives� that allow students to explore math concepts.

30. Many textbook publishers have online resources available via a password. For example, Glencoe has a website where students can select a math concept that needs reinforcement. The student can see an example, as well as hear Mrs. Dawson explain the math concept.Many textbook publishers have online resources available via a password. For example, Glencoe has a website where students can select a math concept that needs reinforcement. The student can see an example, as well as hear Mrs. Dawson explain the math concept.

31. Segment 3 Presentation Segment 3Segment 3

32. Principle 2: Flexible ways of presenting lesson content Examples of options for how teachers present information and how students receive information. In this segment, you will see examples of flexible ways of presenting curriculum content. Teachers need flexible ways of presenting information and students need varying ways of receiving information. Some students may prefer multisensory lessons, while others may process information through one dominant sensory channel. In this segment, you will see examples of flexible ways of presenting curriculum content. Teachers need flexible ways of presenting information and students need varying ways of receiving information. Some students may prefer multisensory lessons, while others may process information through one dominant sensory channel.

33. PRESENTATION: No-tech way to present reading strategies This is a no-tech example of using a classroom bulletin board to present information on Context Clues. Helpful hint are displayed where students can see and use them as needed. This is a no-tech example of using a classroom bulletin board to present information on Context Clues. Helpful hint are displayed where students can see and use them as needed.

34. S UlkayMCPS MD PRESENTATION: Introduction to Historical Fiction using PowerPoint This teacher used PowerPoint to introduce the elements of historical fiction to the whole class. PowerPoint has a �record narration� feature that allows a teacher to narrate the slide show so that students can review information independently.This teacher used PowerPoint to introduce the elements of historical fiction to the whole class. PowerPoint has a �record narration� feature that allows a teacher to narrate the slide show so that students can review information independently.

35. PRESENTATION: Background information from the Internet Prior to teaching a Food Chain unit, a teacher can locate information on the internet that provides background information. This information can be inserted into a text reader so that students can access it at a computer learning station.Prior to teaching a Food Chain unit, a teacher can locate information on the internet that provides background information. This information can be inserted into a text reader so that students can access it at a computer learning station.

36. PRESENTATION: Support materials on the textbook publisher�s website This textbook publisher�s website has videos that simulate a microscope. Students can see examples of cell biology.This textbook publisher�s website has videos that simulate a microscope. Students can see examples of cell biology.

37. D. Gentry / MCPS MD PRESENTATION: Vocabulary Study Guides on American government This teacher used graphics and text to introduce new vocabulary associated with American Government. Again, this could be projected on a screen to introduce new concepts or this could be sent home as an electronic file so that a student can use it as a study tool. This teacher used graphics and text to introduce new vocabulary associated with American Government. Again, this could be projected on a screen to introduce new concepts or this could be sent home as an electronic file so that a student can use it as a study tool.

38. PRESENTATION:Picture key vocabulary study guide in a Microsoft Word table This vocabulary study guide was developed using a Microsoft Word Table. It helps students learn vocabulary by associating words with pictures. This vocabulary study guide was developed using a Microsoft Word Table. It helps students learn vocabulary by associating words with pictures.

39. Supported reading software give struggling readers access to text. Students can select the speed of reading and the size of the text. Students can click on an unknown word and quickly obtain a definition. Supported reading software give struggling readers access to text. Students can select the speed of reading and the size of the text. Students can click on an unknown word and quickly obtain a definition.

40. PRESENTATION: Reading with embedded vocabulary supports using Kurzweil bubble notes Kurzweil is supported reading software that lets you embed notes to facilitate comprehension. This bubble note provides a multiple choice format for comprehension questions. Students can �extract� these embedded notes and print them out to demonstrate understanding. Kurzweil is supported reading software that lets you embed notes to facilitate comprehension. This bubble note provides a multiple choice format for comprehension questions. Students can �extract� these embedded notes and print them out to demonstrate understanding.

41. This is an electronic book of Greek Myths that provides modified reading content. It reads the text aloud and includes comprehension measures. This is an electronic book of Greek Myths that provides modified reading content. It reads the text aloud and includes comprehension measures.

42. Videos using closed captions reinforce reading and provide support for students with auditory issues.Videos using closed captions reinforce reading and provide support for students with auditory issues.

43. Video reenactments provide critical background information. The examples you have viewed throughout this segment demonstrate multiple means of engaging student learning. Video reenactments provide critical background information. The examples you have viewed throughout this segment demonstrate multiple means of engaging student learning.

44. Segment 4 Expression Segment 4Segment 4

45. Principle 3: Flexible methods of expression, and assessment Options for how students demonstrate their learning In this segment, you will see examples of flexible methods of expression and assessment so that students have varied ways to demonstrate what they have learned. In this segment, you will see examples of flexible methods of expression and assessment so that students have varied ways to demonstrate what they have learned.

46. EXPRESSION: Alternate way to present a book report Shoebox dioramas are an alternative to the traditional book report. Shoebox dioramas are an alternative to the traditional book report.

47. EXPRESSION: Give students a choice of tools to express what they know Paper and pencil Word processor Portable word processors (Alphasmart/NEO/Fusion) Supported writing software (Clicker, Drafbuilder) Multimedia tools (PowerPoint, Photostory, Windows Movie Maker) Webquests Students should be given choices in how they express what they know. While paper and pencil might be sufficient for some students, other students who struggle with spelling or handwriting, may need to use word processing tools, including portable devices. Supported writing software has built-in supports that helps students with composing. Multimedia tools give students the ability to creatively express what they know using photos, audio files, and videos. Webquests offer a structured way to use the internet to locate information on a given theme. Students should be given choices in how they express what they know. While paper and pencil might be sufficient for some students, other students who struggle with spelling or handwriting, may need to use word processing tools, including portable devices. Supported writing software has built-in supports that helps students with composing. Multimedia tools give students the ability to creatively express what they know using photos, audio files, and videos. Webquests offer a structured way to use the internet to locate information on a given theme.

48. L Wilson MCPS MD Here�s an example of supported writing software. Clicker software allows teachers to provide writing supports. This writing grid helps students generate sentences.Here�s an example of supported writing software. Clicker software allows teachers to provide writing supports. This writing grid helps students generate sentences.

49. D Jackson/MCPS MD EXPRESSION: Spelling and vocabulary support using Clicker 5 This Clicker grid provides a word bank of important vocabulary. The pop-up word banks support spelling. This Clicker grid provides a word bank of important vocabulary. The pop-up word banks support spelling.

50. A. Dentes & R. Briggs /MCPS MD EXPRESSION: Inspiration notes to list main characteristics Students can use Inspiration notes as an electronic worksheet.Students can use Inspiration notes as an electronic worksheet.

51. EXPRESSION: Notetaking using Microsoft Word side-by-side view Sometimes students need a way to extract notes from a reading assignment to help them prepare for a writing assignment. Using a Microsoft Word document with digital text as well as a blank file, the student can use side by side views to take notes. Sometimes students need a way to extract notes from a reading assignment to help them prepare for a writing assignment. Using a Microsoft Word document with digital text as well as a blank file, the student can use side by side views to take notes.

52. Inspiration software is a graphic organizing tool that helps students preplan and organize what they will write. Inspiration software is a graphic organizing tool that helps students preplan and organize what they will write.

53. K. Grinham / MCPS MD ASSESSMENT: Match pictures and definitions to concepts using Inspiration Rather than a pencil and paper quiz, this Inspiration diagram allows students to link vocabulary to pictures and definitions and thereby express understanding.Rather than a pencil and paper quiz, this Inspiration diagram allows students to link vocabulary to pictures and definitions and thereby express understanding.

54. V. Rosenberg / MCPS MD ASSESSMENT: Using a text reader to read and answer test questions In this example, students with text reader accommodations can demonstrate their understanding of economic principles without the barrier imposed by reading deficits. Students can answer questions using notes and highlighting. In this example, students with text reader accommodations can demonstrate their understanding of economic principles without the barrier imposed by reading deficits. Students can answer questions using notes and highlighting.

55. MCPS MD ASSESSMENT: Digital worksheets and tests Paper and pencil worksheets are inflexible for students with chronic handwriting and spelling difficulties. Digital worksheets help students get past these hurdles.Paper and pencil worksheets are inflexible for students with chronic handwriting and spelling difficulties. Digital worksheets help students get past these hurdles.

56. Segment 5 Implementing UDL in the Classroom Segment 5Segment 5

57. UDL: A national trend The technology now exists to make teaching and learning more adaptable to meet the needs of a wide range of students. Proactive curriculum design is essential in light of limited resources and limited time to create individualized accommodations. But it will take time. [read slide][read slide]

58. One step at a time�. Shifting to a more universally designed curriculum cannot be accomplished overnight. It can only be accomplished by committed teachers willing to relook at their instructional strategies, and then begin to design instructional units in ways that provide more flexibility for all students. [read slide][read slide]

59. First Steps Have a clear understanding of the goals and the tasks that are important to your instructional unit. Identify the nature of the learners in your classroom. Design UDL solutions Here are some first steps to implementing UDL in the classroom. [read 3 points] You can use the link or the URL address listed on this slide to open and print out a generic UDL solutions table as well as a blank UDL solutions table.Here are some first steps to implementing UDL in the classroom. [read 3 points] You can use the link or the URL address listed on this slide to open and print out a generic UDL solutions table as well as a blank UDL solutions table.

60. UDL Solutions Table This more generic UDL solutions table illustrates the process by which educators can first identify common tasks associated with their unit of study, then consider the challenges that some students will confront with each task. Once this is complete, teachers can begin to identify flexible methods and materials that will meet the needs of all students. Using the blank UDL solutions template (on previous slide), teachers can customize the UDL Solutions table to match their particular instructional themes, methods, materials and assessments. This more generic UDL solutions table illustrates the process by which educators can first identify common tasks associated with their unit of study, then consider the challenges that some students will confront with each task. Once this is complete, teachers can begin to identify flexible methods and materials that will meet the needs of all students. Using the blank UDL solutions template (on previous slide), teachers can customize the UDL Solutions table to match their particular instructional themes, methods, materials and assessments.

61. Educator Strategies Schedule time to collaborate and plan flexible materials Focus on one or two curriculum units per quarter Coordinate efforts; work in teams Set goals and criteria Who is the target group of students What are the learning barriers Identify flexible strategies that will narrow the achievement gap Share materials Sharet ten minute Tech-Tips at monthly staff meetings Tech Tuesdays to share readily-usable, flexible strategies Train students in the use of technology Collect measures of student success (e.g., grades, attitudes, time on task, performance) This is a list of some strategies that educators can consider to advanced UDL at their school. Planning, sharing and the ongoing evaluations of effectiveness are all key to effective UDL implementation.This is a list of some strategies that educators can consider to advanced UDL at their school. Planning, sharing and the ongoing evaluations of effectiveness are all key to effective UDL implementation.

62. HIAT website To view examples of UDL strategies, you can to the website listed on this slide.To view examples of UDL strategies, you can to the website listed on this slide.

63. References Casper, B., & Leuchovius, D. (2005, April). Universal design for learning and the transition to a more challenging academic curriculum: Making it in middle school and beyond. Retrieved September 15, 2006, from http://www.ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=2165 Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST). Universal Design for Learning (2007). What is universal design for learning? Retrieved August 5, 2006, from http://cast.org/research/udl/index.html Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST). (2007). UDL Questions and Answers. Retrieved March 12, 2008, from http://www.cast.org/research/faq/index.html CAST UDL Lesson Builder is a free online resource to help educators create UDL-based lessons. http://lessonbuilder.cast.org CAST UDL Toolkits are a free online resource designed to support professional development providers and other educators conducting workshops in universal design for learning by providing resources for face-to-face training sessions and ongoing follow-up support. http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/toolkits/tk_introduction.cfm?tk_id=61 For more information on Universal Design for Learning, check out these website and publication references.For more information on Universal Design for Learning, check out these website and publication references.

64. Additional Web Resources: http://www.cast.org/research/udl/index.html http://www.cited.org/index.aspx http://www.osepideasthatwork.org/UDL/index.asp Publications: Council for Exceptional Children (2005). Universal design for learning: A guide for teachers and education professionals. Arlington, VA: Pearson. Hitchcock, C., Meyer, A., & Rose, D. (2005). The universally designed classroom: Accessible curriculum and digital technologies. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press. Rose, D., & Meyer, A., (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. Alexandria, VA: Association for Curriculum and Development. Rose, D. & Meyer, A. (2006). A practical reader in universal design for learning. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press. Sopko (April 2009). Universal Design for Learning: Policy Challenges and Recommendations. Project Forum at the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE). Obtained April 20, 2009 at http://www.projectforum.org.