What is Universal Design for Learning?

Recognizing that the way individuals learn can be unique, the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, first defined by the Center for Applied Special Technology (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (CAST) in the 1990s, calls for creating curriculum from the outset that provides:

Multiple means of representation to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge,

Multiple means of engagement to tap into learners' interests, challenge them appropriately, and motivate them to learn.
Multiple means of expression to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know

Take a minute to watch this short video that will briefly explain Universal Design for Learning, created by De Montfort University. This video is focused on UDL more broadly, beyond digital resource creation, and it will give you a good understanding of the principles of UDL.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) at DMU

Implementing the principles of universal design in online learning means anticipating the diversity of students that may enroll in your course and planning accordingly. Designing a course with principles of universal design in mind is an ongoing and creative process.

If you create your content using UDL principles, the content is not only accessible to students who may have a disability, but will also support English Language Learners, students who may be struggling in your class, and students accessing your course Canvas content using a mobile device, laptop, tablet, etc.

Increasingly, mobile is changing the story on how content is delivered. If your course content is not available on a small screen, it’s not available at all to people who rely on their mobile phones for access (which means most students.)

Is UDL necessary in studio-based education?

Studio-based education is not devoid of barriers to learning. The creation and education within the studio is supported by a scaffold of resources and activities. If you present content on Canvas, direct students to resources and encourage students to interact with one another to support learning outside of the studio, you should be thinking about universal design.

What does this mini-course cover?

UDL applies to environmental and curriculum design, but the focus of this course is the presentation of your resources on Canvas and creation of Canvas pages (or any web based content page). As you continue through this UDL course, you will learn ways to make your digital content accessible, mobile friendly, and designed with all learners in mind in seven simple steps. Let's get started by clicking on Next and begin with Step 1!