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Module 1

What is UDL? An introduction

Goal(s)

By the end of this module, participants will be able to identify Universal Design for Learning Guidelines and the three principles on which UDL is based. Participants will as well reflect and adjust their practice using a UDL perspective.



1.1 Refresher for experienced teachers   

Watch: Why Implement UDL? Katie Novak, Novak Educational Consulting on Youtube. 

Why Implement UDL? | Katie Novak, Ed.D 
 

Watch and Reflect: Why We Need Universal Design, Micheal Nesmith,  Tedx on Youtube 

Why We Need Universal Design | Michael Nesmith | TEDxBoulder 
 

1.2 New to Universal Design for Learning: what is UDL? 
 Watch: What is UDL?  Katie Novak, Novak Educational Consulting on Youtube
What is UDL? Katie Novak, Ed.D
 

Read: Allison Posey & Katie Novak’s Unlearning, Chapter 1: Apples and Buffets. 
OR Listen: “The Learning Buffet Analogy” on Vocaroo  
 
1.3 All educators: reflect on and adjust your  practice  
 Read: Allison Posey & Katie Novak’s Unlearning  
Chapter 2 The UDL Road Trip (pp.15-24) 
Chapter 3 Transform Your Tried-and-True Techniques (pp.25-38) 
 
OR Listen: Chapter 2 on Vocaroo

Chapter 3 on Vocaroo (to be added)

 

Materials for both experienced and new educators 

Watch: UDL at a Glance 
Read/Browse:  Universal Design for Learning Guidelines 
 

Optional Materials   

Read: Meyer, Rose, and  Gordon’s UDL Theory and Practice, Chapter 4: Universal Design for Learning. 
Watch: The Myth of Average, Todd Rose, TEDx 
The Myth of Average:  Todd Rose at TEDxSonomaCounty 

 

 

Reflection Prompt on Yellowdig
Use your reflection journal to reflect on this week’s material. You can make an audio recording, write up your reflection, or use images and symbols in your reflection.  

OR Guided reflection prompts
1. Based on this week’s material, create a visual summarizing UDL guidelines and principles. 
2. What does UDL mean to you? What does it look like at your school?
3. How can UDL guidelines also be used outside of school/the education world?  
 
You can make an audio recording, write up your reflection, or use images and symbols in your reflection. Length: However long or short feels bests for you. Suggested length: 300-500 words. 
 

UDL in Action: This week, we invite you to reflect on your UDL in your classroom. What are your UDL-based tried-and-true techniques? If you haven't used UDL in your classroom yet, reflect on an activity you did with your students in the past and revise it using the UDL guidelines that you think would help better align it to your students' needs.

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