What is UDL?

Definition
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is the process of designing and delivering curricula, materials, and environments in a manner that makes them accessible and usable to all students. UDL can be seen in educational approaches such as differentiated instruction, teachers as coaches, learning as process, individualized instruction, and cooperative learning.

Principles
In designing and delivering curricula, materials, and environments, educators need to consider ways to make the educational experience more convenient, more comfortable, and more flexible for learners of diverse backgrounds and learning styles. This consideration needs to involve the three main principles of the UDL framework:

1. Providing multiple, flexible methods of presenting the information
2. Providing multiple, flexible methods of interacting with and responding to the information
3. Providing multiple, flexible methods of finding meaning from and engaging the information

Goals and Guidelines
The primary goals of Universal Design for Learning are to support recognition networks, to support strategic networks, and to support affective networks.

Recognition goals involve the “who, what, where, and when” of learning. Examples of UDL strategies designed to support these goals include providing multiple examples, highlighting critical features, providing information in multiple formats, and utilizing multimedia and technology.

Strategic goals involve the “how” of learning. Examples of UDL strategies designed to support these goals include allowing flexible opportunities to demonstrate knowledge and skills, providing scaffolding opportunities, and providing flexible pace to learning, and providing ongoing feedback.

Affective goals involve the “why” of learning. Examples of UDL strategies designed to support these goals include offering choices in context of learning, offering choices of tools and content of learning, offering adjustable levels of challenge, and offering rewards.