Universal Design for Learning (UDL) began as a way of designing learning programs to incorporate students with disability. Now it is clear that UDL is increasing success rates across the spectrum of learners. To keep up with the digital age universally designed software tools are being developed and applied for universal success.
UDL software is not specifically for students with disability. Rather it is to enhance the learning experiences of all students. Dr Deb Castiglione, Nicole Martin and Trey Conatser talk about what UDL software can do for learners.. The way this is written is also a good example of relating information. Here is part of Castiglione’s response to the question, how is UDL different to accessibility?
“UDL is about incorporating principles and strategies to meet the needs of all learners (including those with disabilities). By integrating accessibility practices into the mix, you can reach a larger percentage of student needs. For example, if you were to caption a video, not only would you meet the needs of an individual that is deaf or hard of hearing, but captioning also benefits English language learners, students with reading difficulties, as well as those whose hearing ability is affected by noise, or in situations where playing sound is not an option (e.g. no speakers, quiet environment such as the library, sleeping children/spouse, and so on).”
Implementing UDL is a matter of providing learners with choices in how they engage with the course. It’s about how they access and interact with the course content. And then it’s about how they demonstrate what they have learned. It’s a good teaching strategy. It’s not the same as differential instruction because the effort is made to meet the needs of all individual students. However, UDL is incorporated upfront, not in an ongoing, as-needed basis.