Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and your e-learning

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

First, let's start with the question: What is UDL?

UDL is an inclusive framework for designing learning experiences that are suitable for students with diverse backgrounds, interests, skills, and talents.

When the UDL principles being included in the development of an e-learning reduces the need to make certain adjustments afterwards. For example, when people with disabilities are unable to participate in the e-learning.

E-learning developers can use the UDL principles to make their presentation of information more accessible and engaging, increase student engagement, and develop inclusive evaluations and assessments.

First read the basics about a create an online course.

The 3 UDL principles

1. Representation - offer teaching materials in various ways

This UDL principle encourages e-learning developers to present information in various formats, for example through text, images, video, audio or hands-on activities. In addition, it takes into account that students may need assistive technologies and devices that support learning, such as screen readers, speech recognition programs, or captions, to access this content.

It's important to make information available in multiple formats because learners differ in how they perceive and understand the concepts that are presented to them. To meet the learning needs of students with learning disabilities, sensory disabilities or cultural and language differences, a “one size fits all” approach is not a good choice.

There are also simply students who understand certain information better through auditory or visual means than through printed text. Multiple representations of a concept, also known as dual coding, facilitates learning by showing students connections within individual concepts and between different concepts.

I can already hear you thinking: how do you know what someone prefers? You can simply ask the student about this. You then let the e-learning adapt automatically based on the answer given. To achieve this, you need a digital learning environment necessary, which makes it possible to set up personalised learning lines - such as Pluvo!

2. Action and expression - let students demonstrate their knowledge in various ways

This principle encourages e-learning developers to make it possible for their students to show what they've learned in various ways. Some students may prefer to show what they know and have learned through written text, visual or oral presentations, or a group project.

Also read: 4 creative ways of test knowledge! 

3. Engagement - encourage everyone to learn

This UDL principle encourages e-learning developers to use different ways to motivate students. Depending on the student's culture, neurology, personal relevance and prior knowledge, he/she can be motivated to learn in several ways. For example, students with dyslexia are generally able to understand concepts more quickly when they can practice with them directly than by reading about them. These students may be more motivated to learn if concepts are provided through activities that use kinesthetic skills, such as drama or role-playing.

A single way of engagement is not suitable for all students in every context. Some students prefer to work alone, others in a group. Some study from home in the attic with the sound loud, others in the silent compartment on the train on their way to work. Some can't see, others can't hear, and so on.

Why choose a universal design?

Developing your e-learning according to UDL principles shows that you take inclusivity and accessibility seriously. In addition, it is much more fun to supervise a group of enthusiastic students, instead of a group of students who are extremely bored. With UDL, you also make your e-learning sustainable; after all, you set it up properly from the start, which prevents you from having to make adjustments later because you hadn't thought about adding subtitles to the videos, for example.

Our colleague Kimberley (who wrote this and many other blogs for Pluvo) is an expert on Universal Design for Learning. Follow her on social media at @kimberleyvantol or send us a message in the chat and we'll be happy to connect you!