Meeting the needs of diverse learners

“The purpose of education is not to make information accessible, but rather to teach learners how to transform accessible information into usable knowledge.”

Introduction to the UDL Guidelines (CAST, 2012)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a research-based framework that supports removing barriers from the learning process so we can meet the needs of diverse learners. It's human nature for instructors to design courses in the way they like to learn. Keeping UDL principles in mind can help us move beyond this natural inclination.

UDL can be used as an underlying principle to reduce barriers to learning by ensuring accessibility is built into your courses. The Center for Universal Design (CUD) defines the term as "a design concept that recognizes, respects, values and attempts to accommodate the broadest possible spectrum of human ability in the design of all products, environments and information systems." They identify seven components of Universal Design:

Equitable — the design is equally useful to people with diverse abilities.
Flexible — the design supports differing abilities.
Simple — the design is intuitive.
Perceptible — the design offers material in multiple modalities.
Tolerance for error — the design minimizes possibilities for predictable errors.
Effortless — the design minimizes repetitive actions.
Spacious — the design includes appropriate room for users.

Universal Design for Learning guidelines

CAST (formerly known as the Center for Applied Special Technology) is a nonprofit education research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning. Visit the UDL Guidelines page to learn more about this tool used in the implementation of the UDL framework.

View this short video produced by CAST entitled "UDL at A Glance":

In a nutshell, UDL guidelines include:

Multiple means of representation
Give students the same information through different formats (visual, auditory, or textual) to ensure that key information will be equally perceptible to all.
Multiple means of action and expression
Give students plenty of options for expressing what they know, and provide models, feedback, and supports for their different levels of proficiency.
Multiple means of engagement
What excites one student may bore another. Give students choices (working independently vs. working collaboratively, the sequence or timing of tasks, the level of challenge, etc.) to spark their interests and autonomy.

Universal Design for Learning Guidelines Text for use with a screenreader

Universal Design for Learning Guidelines graphic PDF

Graphic provided by UDL on Campus

Additional resources

UDL 101: What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? Join us for an overview of UDL principles and how UDL can positively impact teaching and learning.
UDL, SLO, OEP — the alphabet soup of good course design. How can we design courses that engage diverse students and provide mechanisms for students to accurately demonstrate their learning?
How to Make Universal Design for Learning a Reality at Your University by Emily Griffin via 3Play Media.