How do we distinguish differences in learners? What does that entail? Is it a different way of approaching a task, a different way of learning, a different way of sensing or something else? Researchers at CAST and throughout the learning sciences are confirming that actually the concept of learner variability is a norm all educators should expect. That said, educators are in unique situations to recognize and expect that learner variability will always be a condition in teaching situations. As we plan for this, we as educators can become more mindful instructional designers in how we plan our classrooms and educational settings that anticipates this variability and offer a broad array of learning situations that can reach and teach all. A true smorgasbord of learning opportunities!
Scooping up UDL resources
Something worth exploring!
Providing options
A central tenet of the universal design for learning (UDL) framework considers the importance of providing learners with options. This is underscored across a number of the UDL guidelines that focus these around options for recruiting interest, options for sustaining effort and persistence, options for perception and comprehension. I like the way this image conveys options from the message. Clearly Dunkin Donuts has their customer’s experience in mind when they offer a cup of coffee. Many options are offered in how that coffee can be created and consumed and each of these (or combinations) could be considered. Certainly this is one of the many reasons I return to this coffee shop as a satisfied consumer. This is the way we want learners to engage and understand as well. By offering options we are better assured that we are reaching the range of learner tastes and preferences!
A UDL Fellow’s Fellow
Today was an opportunity to learn from another. In this case, another UDL Fellow – Dr. Don Glass. I like to think that the work I’m starting to embark upon as a UDL Fellow at Boston College and CAST will even touch the amazing work of this fellow. Take a close look at this redesigned /remixed online course incorporating a UDL framework – http://www.oercommons.org/courses/curriculum-design-for-inclusive-arts-teaching-and-learning-understanding-by-design-2 You’ll note that this author has used the CAST Book Builder tool to creatively design an interactive, strategically supported, digital module for sharing this concept. Nicely done Dr. Glass! Your personal badge is a testament to your commitment in the growing field of UDL.
A very cool new UDL resource
A very cool new UDL resource from our friends in Maryland. Check this out: http://www.udlwheel.mdonlinegrants.org/
Sharing the UDL message with educators…
Over the past few days I’ve had the delight of attending the American Federation of Teachers conference in Washington, DC. As invited guests, I’ve also had the honor of working with Dr. Patti Ralabate at CAST in sharing the important message about universal design for learning (UDL) to classroom educators. Interestingly to both of us, this concept was very new to many of them. Our presentation offered a glimpse into the definitions, supporting research, guidelines and resources that support why UDL is an educational framework worth considering. As Dr. Ralabate noted, over 39 states across the USA have some type of UDL initiative underway. These are truly exciting times!
Taking a look at what Maryland is doing with UDL
Last week I had the fortunate opportunity to hear Dr. Denise DeCoste share the big picture plan that guided the work of a Maryland Dept. of Education Taskforce and their work towards integrating universal design for learning (UDL) into the Maryland Education System. Hats off to the work of this group and their efforts. In a very short amount of time they developed a sound plan for having UDL be a part of a policy initiative and lay out a systemic plan for future operational steps. A more complete report can be read at A Route for Every Learner.