Image: AASL, 2018.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI):
Creating deep learning experiences by developing strategies to meet individual needs and give all students access to the same high-quality content.

By Deborah Ehler-Hansen, M.Ed.
Fall 2019 - Updated 2022

Image: AASL, 2018.

Dear Educators,

According to the American Association of School Librarians - National School Library Standards, educators should "Be inclusive and have respect for diversity in learning" (2018).

When we design our lessons, we should be sure to INCLUDE all students.

This booklet will help you design curriculum that will help you create learning experiences for ALL students.

To learn more, please visit the AASL National Standards website.

Image: AASL, 2018.

Dear Educators,

According to the American Association of School Librarians - National School Library Standards, educators should "Be inclusive and have respect for diversity in learning" (2018).

When we design our lessons, we should be sure to INCLUDE all students.

This booklet will help you design curriculum that will help you create learning experiences for ALL students.

To learn more, please visit the AASL National Standards website.

Loading...

Welcome to this workshop on UDL and DI!

The learning outcomes are are as follows.
The learner will:
1. Understand that in order for deep learning to occur, teachers must apply UDL or Differentiation techniques, to INCLUDE all students, while building their lessons, so that all students will be able to:
a. "master academic content
b. apply critical thinking and problem solving skills
c. collaborate with others
d. communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
e. learn how to learn (meta cognition)
f. develop an academic mindset" (Tony Wagner, 2014). Please see this video to learn more about deeper learning and this web page to learn why it is so important for our students to start engaging in Experiential Learning (EL) Experiences today, rather than waiting for tomorrow.
2. Understand the difference between UDL and DI.
3. Understand how to apply both UDL and DI strategies when building curriculum for their students.

Loading...

1

Loading...

Welcome to this workshop on UDL and DI!

The learning outcomes are are as follows.
The learner will:
1. Understand that in order for deep learning to occur, teachers must apply UDL or Differentiation techniques, to INCLUDE all students, while building their lessons, so that all students will be able to:
a. "master academic content
b. apply critical thinking and problem solving skills
c. collaborate with others
d. communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
e. learn how to learn (meta cognition)
f. develop an academic mindset" (Tony Wagner, 2014). Please see this video to learn more about deeper learning and this web page to learn why it is so important for our students to start engaging in Experiential Learning (EL) Experiences today, rather than waiting for tomorrow.
2. Understand the difference between UDL and DI.
3. Understand how to apply both UDL and DI strategies when building curriculum for their students.

Loading...

2

Why utilize the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Framework when Designing Curriculum for Your Students?

UDL is a neuroscience - evidence-based framework for learning that allows teachers to design their curriculum to allow ALL students to become "expert learners."

Think of UDL as the ADA wheelchair ramp. When we provide access to a building using a ramp we provide access to the building for everyone. Wheelchairs, people using crutches, mothers pushing their young children in strollers, as well as those of us who are walking into the building on our own two feet. A ramp provides access to everyone who would like to come into or out the building. A stairway is only accessible for those who can walk up or down with their own two feet. It is not easily accessible for all others, as mentioned above.

What is your background knowledge on the Universal Design for Learning Framework? Have you ever used it before? If yes, how? Please provide an example of how you have used UDL in the area provided below.

3

What is your background knowledge on the Universal Design for Learning Framework? Have you ever used it before? If yes, how? Please provide an example of how you have used UDL in the area provided below.

Learn how to create an
audio file!

4

What is the main difference between UDL and DI? Katie Novak explains in the video below! For more information on the "Dinner Party" analogy, please read this webpage.

5

What is the main difference between UDL and DI? Katie Novak explains in the video below! For more information on the "Dinner Party" analogy, please read this webpage.

6

To gain more background knowledge about UDL, please view the video below titled "UDL: Principles and Practice" with David H. Rose.

How do I use the UDL Framework for my students?

You need to apply the three main principles of learning according to the UDL Framework:

7