Welcome to this first entry on UDL and Mobile Apps
With this blog, I hope to introduce you to UDL and why it should be the framework in creating digital learning environments where all students can achieve. Mobile Apps will be instrumental in supporting all learners persoanlizing the learning environment like we have never seen before. But first, an introduction to UDL and why it will most likely create some buzz as we discover how we will innovate new learning environments for all students.
What is UDL - Universal Design for Learning?
After being introduced to UDL some 10 years ago, I am surprised how many educators have no idea what it is and why it may play some importance in education. Universal Design for Learning was developed by CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) from years of brain research on how we learn.
From this research, three principles have been defined:
- Multiple means of representation, to give diverse learners options for acquiring information and knowledge,
- Multiple means of action and expression, to provide learners options for demonstrating what they know,
- Multiple means of engagement, to tap into learners' interests, offer appropriate [CAST], 2011a).
UDL is the framework in which we design our lessons, instructional strategies and assessments and that gives all students equal opportunities to learn and to demonstrate what they have learned. It is not just about students with special needs but it is about how we teach to the diversity of learners, every day.
In the last few years UDL became defined in the Higher Ed Opportunity Act of 2008 and other federal legislation and policy.
From the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 ...
The term UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING means a scientifically valid framework for guiding educational practice that:
(A) provides flexibility in the ways information is presented, in the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and in the ways students are engaged; and
(B) reduces barriers in instruction, provides appropriate accommodations, supports, and challenges, and maintains high achievement expectations for all students, including students with disabilities and students who are limited English proficient.
Where else is UDL showing up in Federal legislative and policy documents?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004
IDEA is focused on improving outcomes for children and youth with disabilities. Some of the provisions included below within IDEA integrate the use of UDL as a means of supporting the core principles of IDEA:
- 34CFR Sec. 300.704(b)(4)(v)
"To support the use of technology, including technology with universal design principles and assistive technology devices, to maximize accessibility to the general education curriculum for children with disabilities. "
"Universal design.- The State educational agency (or, in the case of a districtwide assessment, the local educational agency) shall, to the extent feasible, use universal design principles in developing and administering any assessments under this paragraph."
"Supporting research, development, and dissemination of technology with universal design features, so that the technology is accessible to the broadest range of individuals with disabilities without further modification or adaptation."
U.S. Department of Education Technology Plan
In the announcement letter, Secretary Duncan said the following about the Plan (U.S. Department of Education, 2010):
It calls for using state-‐‑of-‐‑the art technology and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) concepts to enable, motivate and inspire all students to achieve, regardless of background, languages or disabilities.
Additional Inclusions of UDL Nationally
- The Common Core State Standards developed by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers
- The Race to the Top Assessment Programs Criteria
- LEARN Act (literacy) bills in House and Senate
- USDOE's Blueprint for Education Reform: The Reauthorization of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
In addition, the endorsement of some 40 national general education and disability groups that comprise the National UDL Task Force to promote UDL in federal legislation and policy. See www.udl4allstudents.com for a full list of members and information about the work of the National UDL Task Force.
Learn more about UDL at The UDL Center
Next post: Mobile Apps and The UDL Principles