Summary of "Applying the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Framework in Instructional Design"

Video Transcription

In the unit applying the Universal Design for Learning framework and instructional design and assessment, the learning objectives included analyzing the principles of the Universal Design for Learning framework, using UDL principles to revise an existing lesson using the UDLinks mobile app, and reflecting on your experience using UDL to meet diverse student needs through the revision of your lesson.

We began with an introduction to UDL and its principles. We learned that universal design for learning is a flexible approach to the design of curriculum and instruction. It incorporates accommodations and modifications upfront as a part of the planning process, rather than incorporating them as reactionary measures after problems begin to occur.

We identified the three principles of UDL, providing multiple means of representation, providing multiple means of action and expression, and providing multiple means of engagement. Throughout these tutorials, you were able to reflect on your use of UDL principles in the classroom. Perhaps you already incorporated some of the strategies that we shared.

And if not, you had an opportunity to think about how you might incorporate these principles in the classroom. After learning about and reflecting on the three universal design for learning principles, you were introduced to the UDLinks app in part of the second learning objective revising a lesson using UDL principles using this mobile app or a similar resource, the UDL exchange.

Here is the sample lesson that we've revised together throughout this learning objective. Recall that we focused on revising the goals, the instructional methods, the materials used in the lesson, and the assessment strategies that would be employed. Throughout all of these revisions, our focus was on implementing UDL principles in order to reach all of our students and to better meet their needs.

You saw a live demonstration of the UDLinks app in order to access resources and you learned that within the app, you can save resources in a favorites list and you can access the UDL principles themselves as well.

With a solid understanding of the principles of Universal Design for Learning, and having revised one of your existing lessons using those UDL principles, you were ready to reflect on your use of UDL in order to meet diverse student needs in your classroom. You saw, as part of this learning objective, how to use a plus, minus, delta chart to evaluate your use of UDL principles.

This plus, minus, delta chart can be used as a self-reflection tool, or it can be used as a tool with students in order to gather feedback on the implementation of you UDL principles throughout the lesson that you revised.

Focusing in on the things that went well, the things that didn't go so well, and possible ideas for change within each of the three principles of UDL can really be a valuable experience as you evaluate how well you are meeting the needs of the diverse learners in your classroom.

To recap, in this unit the learning objectives included analyzing the principles of Universal Design for Learning, using UDL principles to revise an existing lesson in order to better meet the needs of your students, and finally reflecting on your use of UDL to revise that lesson and to meet student needs.

So here's a chance for you to stop and reflect. Were you able to see how the principles of Universal Design for Learning could be used to effectively revise one of your existing lessons? Did you find the UDLinks mobile app to be helpful as you engaged in this process?

Did you find it valuable to practice some self-reflection and to evaluate your use of Universal Design for Learning as you aim to meet the diverse needs of students in your classroom?

To dive a little deeper and learn how to apply this information, be sure to check out the additional resources section associated with this video. This is where you'll find links targeted toward helping you discover more ways to apply this course material. Thanks for joining me throughout this entire unit. Have a great day.