Diversity In Learning
Foundations of Universal Design
Learning – Universal Design
Modified from Courtney DeRosa
Walden University
Instructor: Evelyn Thompson
6714I-3: Reaching and Engaging all Learners Through Technology
July 10, 2010
&
Gary Braman – East Stroudsburg University

Discussion - Grocery Stores:
What accommodations are made
for differences?
Who benefits from the
accommodations?

Origins of Universal Design
• Originated in the
field of architecture
• Design buildings with
built-in accessibility
for everyone
• Superior to
retrofitting buildings
• Accommodate
diverse individual
needs

Universal Design
• Not one size fits all – but alternatives
• Designed from the beginning, not added on later.
• Increases access opportunities for everyone

Review Question
• From what field does the concept of
universal design come?
Architecture

What is going on in the brain when
learning?

Split the brain into 3 parts:
Recognition Networks
Strategic Networks
Affective Networks

Brain Research
Strategic Networks Recognition Networks
Affective Networks
Laureate,
2009

Recognition Networks
• Note: quantity of
the brain
– Back Half of Brain
– Sensory Pattern
Recognition
– Gather facts and recognize
familiarity
– Ex: rose smells orwhat a
tree looks like.
• http://udlonline.cast.org/p
age/module1/l144/

Recognition Networks

Strategic
• Planning, organizing,
problem
solving, critical
thinking
• Examples: knowing
how to respond to
questions on a
test, taking notes
• http://udlonline.cast.
org/page/module1/l1
48/

Strategic

Review Questions
• What network is used to recognize your
friend’s face?
Recognition Network
• What network in the brain is used to think
about the various perspectives of global
warming?
Strategic Network
• What part of the network is used to know the
term global warming?
Recognition Network

Affective Networks
• Motivation, feelings,
priorities, interests
• Think: High
school, prom, first
day of college
• http://udlonline.cast.
org/page/module1/l
152/

Review & Discussion Question
• When you find out that you have to pay a
parking ticket, what part of of brain is
activated?
Affective Network
• When you hear that you have a test coming
up, how does your brain work?

Which network do we focus on the
most in school?
Why could this be a problem?

Central Role Of Technology
Assistive Technology
• Tools to assist learner
UDL
• Barrier free learning environment
Combination required for student
success
Retrieved from:
http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/toolkits/presentations/AIR_Toolkit/HTML/11_UDL_and_AT/slide_11_01.htm

Technology Examples
calculators wheelchairs
spell check Touch activated speech device

References
 Amen, D. (2005) Making a good brain great. New York:
Harmony Books.
 Center for Applied Special Technologies, CAST, found at
http://www.cast.org/
 Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Brain Research and
Universal Design for Learning. Baltimore: Author.
 Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Universal
Design for Learning.Baltimore: Author.
 UDL supported with Assistive Technology
http://homepage.mac.com/seilts/udl_at/index.html

Everyone’s Networks work differently:
Humans
recognize
strategize
feel (affective)
in our own ways.