Introduction to "Applying the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Framework in Instructional Design"

Video Transcription

Welcome to the unit, Applying the UDL Framework in Instructional Design and Assessment. The learning objectives in this unit include analyzing the principles of universal design for learning, using UDL principles to revise an existing lesson using the mobile app, UDLinks, and reflecting on the experience of using UDL principles to revise a lesson in order to meet diverse student needs in the classroom.

Learning objective one is to analyze the principles of universal design for learning. We'll begin by defining universal design for learning and identifying its three principles. We'll then examine some guidelines for implementing each principle in turn. You'll have a chance to reflect on whether you already implement some of these strategies in your classroom. And as we discuss the guidelines for each of the three principles, we'll keep in mind the overarching view that universal design for learning aims to address modifications and accommodations up front as part of the planning process for instruction, rather than waiting until problems occur to address them.

With an understanding of the principles of universal design for learning, we'll be ready to revise an existing lesson using the UDLinks mobile app. We'll begin with an introduction to the UDLinks app, along with a similar resource, the UDL Exchange, on the website of the Center for Applied Special Technology. As we discuss three sources that are available in this app and on the CAST website, we'll explore the differences between a UDL aligned classroom and a traditional classroom environment.

With access to the app or the website, you'll find that it's quick and easy to access resources that are aligned with UDL principles and that will fit right into your classroom instruction. Having revised an existing lesson using UDLinks or the UDL Exchange, and always keeping in mind the three UDL principles that guide our implementation, you'll be ready to reflect on how you've used you UDL to meet diverse student needs.

We'll discuss the idea of expert learners and the characteristics that these learners bring to our classrooms. We'll explore the use of varying levels of assistive technology, along with the implementation of universal design for learning. And finally, we'll pinpoint some of the differences between UDL and differentiated instruction. These tutorials will help you reflect on how your use of assistive technology, differentiated instruction, and the UDL design principles can all work together to help meet your students' needs.

To recap, the learning objectives in this unit include universal design for learning principles, revising a lesson using UDLinks, and reflecting on your use of UDL to meet diverse student needs. So welcome to the unit. I hope you'll join me in my tutorials throughout the unit, applying the universal design for learning framework in instructional design and assessment.