UDL

UDL--Universal Design for Learning.
UDL is inspired by the Universal Design movement, which we see in product design and architecture. Common examples are speaker phones, closed captioned TV, curb cuts so wheels can roll up to sidewalks, ramps instead of stairs, easy to grasp tubular handrails, and replacing hard to grasp doorknobs with lever handles. You might call it "ergonomics on steroids". The central concept is to maximize utilization by all sorts of people with all sorts of abilities. In Universal Design for Learning, the theme is //to include all sorts of learners at all levels of ability//. The research shows that there are three brain networks:
 * Recognition: Gathering facts, organizing and categorizing information--the WHAT of learning
 * Strategic: Planning and performing tasks, expressing ideas--the HOW of learning
 * Affective: Engagement and motivation, emotional committment--the WHY of learning

Lessons may be customized for individual learners with multiple means of representation to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge; with multiple means of expression to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know; and multiple means of engagement to tap into learners' interests, challenge them appropriately, and motivate them to learn. Reaching every student is the goal, and, because of their diversity, teachers must use flexible tools, teaching methods, and assessments.

I'd like to recommend a link to CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) if you'd like more information about UDL. This is a cool site to visit, because it's built on UDL principles. Right at the top, it says "Want to learn more about UDL?" then gives you three choices: Watch a video; Read about it; or Try a fun activity. You decide which delivery method appeals most to you. Here's the link; check it out.

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