What is UDL?

[Brian Wojcik]

I have been reading a number of posts in which the term UDL is listed. I know most people know that it stands for Universal Design for Learning and can track back to resources from CAST (e.g., Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age). However, I get the sense that UDL has taken on different meanings to different people.

So, a couple questions...

What is UDL (or what does it mean to you)?
Who does UDL impact and how does it impact them?

Please share your thoughts on these questions...I know that I am personally struggling with this as I attempt to explain the concept to teachers, parents, administrators, future teachers, etc. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!

[Dan Herlihy]

Hi Brian,
In its simpliest form to me it means creating an activity or lesson that is accessible (and can be easily modified to accomidate) by as many users as possibile within the realm of the program I'm using. This does not mean that I see things as fixed within a system. An example is also accessing the activity using a third party solution such as an adapted keyboard, screen reader, head mouse, etc. as the situation requires.

When I'm teaching I often comment on an activity that I'm demonstrating with the comment " who can't access this activity?" When we start to break it down I'll point out for example that the text can be read loud to the student if needed, the text color or background changed or magnified, items in the activity will scan providing access for switch users, it can be printed and handed out out as a traditional class or homework assignment, menus, text and directions can be accessed and read aloud by using keyboard commands allowing a student with a visual impairment the ability to use it.

These are all just examples. When we start with what do we want our students to know, understand and be able to do, we also need to look at - have we also provided them with the opportunity to learn, and communicate what they have, using their abilities.

Just my initial thoughts.

Dan Herlihy

[KarenJanowski]

You may be interested to read this post in the Leader Talk blog entitled, "Is It Really Necessary to Mandate the Obvious?" about NCLB and UDL.

This was written by an adminstrator on a blog by school leaders for school leaders. Glad to hear an adminstrator say that UDL is just good teaching, and "nothing new to education."

[Jeannette Van Houten]

My problem with UDL is that it is just good teaching. I just see mandates and requirements not being met because teachers are struggling with just good teaching.

Teaching the diverse learner - UDL - teaching to the students learning style is all the same thing. So I agree with Karen and the article.

When do we stop mandating things that should just be done and get teachers trained on how to be good - great - wonderful teachers?

I am glad that Dan and Karen answered first because I have tried a few times to post and canceled the reply.