What is UDL?

UDL is the acronym for Universal Design for Learning. From an educational standpoint this means that consideration is given for "all" learner needs at the beginning of the curriculum design phase. UDL is a way of preventing barriers in learning from the onset by embedding all possible accommodations based on learner needs regarding representation, expression, and engagement into the curriculum rather than going back in and adding these accommodations individually per student as a need occurs. The thought is based on the idea that an accommodation for one student is often helpful for all students. UDL incorporates three guiding principles when considering curriculum design: 

1.    flexibility in the way information is presented

2.    flexibility in the way students respond or express their knowledge

3.    flexibility in the way students engage in the learning process

http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udldefined

UDL makes a lot of sense and it is a simple enough concept to understand but the implementation phase will require a great deal of change in regard to updating our educational environments and classroom curriculum. It will also require professional development for teachers in order to bring all educators up to speed on 21^st century learning ideas in regard to the enhancements in technology.

Based on the three guiding principles of UDL implementation we would have “all learners” engaged in the learning process based on their interests, representation, and expression needs. If this were to become a reality in all educational settings we should see a reduction in the need for specialized programs for students who exhibit behavior, as a result of frustration due to learning issues, as this implementation should increase learner participation and diminish learner apathy.

With UDL, the shift in focus is to the “environment, as disabling” rather than focus on the “learner as disabled”.  With this frame of reference “all learners” will have the ability to learn and be lifelong learners.