UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING
A Learning Activity
What is UDL?
UDL is a framework that is rooted in cognitive neuroscience, and is designed to provide educators with a blueprint for a curriculum that is intended to meet the needs of each and every learner. (http://www.cast.org)
An example of a learning activity that uses technology
Subject: Creative Writing
Grade: 5
Topic: Elements of a short story
Goal: By the end of the module, students should be able to identify the three main elements of a short story (settings, plot, and characters).
Activity: Students will read a list of short stories from modern and classic literature, provided by the teacher, and use Microsoft Word to identify common story elements.
Modified Activity Using UDL: The teacher will provide the students with a list of short stories from modern and classic literature. Some stories will take the form of print, read aloud, or Ebooks. Assistive hearing aids will be available when needed. The teacher will assign them into small groups of mixed abilities to discuss the stories that they have read. Then they will use a mind-mapping app, such as Inspiration, to compose a list of elements that they identify as common between the short story genre.
Grade: 5
Topic: Elements of a short story
Goal: By the end of the module, students should be able to identify the three main elements of a short story (settings, plot, and characters).
Activity: Students will read a list of short stories from modern and classic literature, provided by the teacher, and use Microsoft Word to identify common story elements.
Modified Activity Using UDL: The teacher will provide the students with a list of short stories from modern and classic literature. Some stories will take the form of print, read aloud, or Ebooks. Assistive hearing aids will be available when needed. The teacher will assign them into small groups of mixed abilities to discuss the stories that they have read. Then they will use a mind-mapping app, such as Inspiration, to compose a list of elements that they identify as common between the short story genre.
Three Primary UDL Guidelines
This activity falls under the "Provide Multiple Means of Representation" guideline.
A Teacher's UDL Lesson Plan
Credits
Created by:
Rula Sbaiti