Universal Design For Learning: Fostering Neurodiversity, Equity, And Inclusivity Through Educational Technology

Neurodiversity is an approach to learning and disability that posits diverse neurological conditions are the results of normal variations in the human genome, and not inherently pathological.1 Neurodiversity in the class room provides an inclusive space, where students from diverse backgrounds could learn together. This requires instructors to design a dynamically integrated approach with students at the center of their vision that provides alternatives for students to learn and express their knowledge of the subject matter. One of the key tools used to address the needs of neuro-divergent students is Universal Design for Learning (UDL).2 UDL refers to a set of principles that guide the design of inclusive classroom instruction. The UDL educational framework is based on evidence from research in the learning sciences. UDL guides the development of adaptable learning environments that can accommodate individual learning differences.3 UDL originally emerged from the fields of urban design and architecture, and refers to the process of designing practical solutions to meet the needs of those with disabilities but at the same time benefitting those without disability as well. As universal design removes barriers from the physical environment, so also universal design for learning eliminates barriers from the learning environment, and it does so through the following three principles: 1) multiple methods of representation that give learners a variety of ways to learn; 2) multiple means of student action and expression that provide learners options for demonstrating what they have learned; and 3) multiple modes of student engagement that tap into learners’ interests, challenge them appropriately, and motivate them to learn.4

The goal of UDL is to maximize the learning of students with a wide range of characteristics. UDL principles are applicable to all aspects of instruction, including instructional methodology, zphysical spaces, information resources, technology, personal interactions, and assessments.5

The UDL approach offers all students an equal opportunity to succeed through flexibility in the ways students access material and how they engage to acquire information and build knowledge. The table below adopted from educational strategies developed by the Understood Team illustrates some of the differences between the traditional and UDL classrooms.6

As a scientifically valid framework for guiding educational practice, UDL reduces barriers in instruction. Moreover, UDL provides appropriate accommodations; maintains high achievement expectations; and eliminates or reduces roadblocks to academic success for all students. UDL values diversity in the classroom through proactive design of inclusive curriculum; increases options for access, participation and demonstration of learning; and leads to increased equitable access to the general curriculum.⁷̛⁸

The UDL involves the use of appropriate technology, including assistive technology, within curriculum design and instruction that provides challenging, supportive curriculum. Moreover, UDL and Assistive Technology are increasingly becoming essential as a means of providing free or affordable and appropriate education to students with disabilities, addressing unique learning needs that result from a student’s disability.9 In practice, the process of implementing UDL can be broken down into four critical elements: (1) The establishment of clear goals, (2) intentional planning for learner variability, (3) the use of flexible methods and materials, and (4) ) maintaining timely progress monitoring.10

It is also important for instructors and educational technology support teams to understand and debunk the prevailing misconceptions about UDL. Theses misconceptions are not limited to but including the following: (1) The use of technology does not constitute the use of UDL, (2) UDL is not just for persons with disabilities, it is for all students; (3) UDL is not an instructional strategy; UDL is a scientifically based framework, supported by both foundational and field-based evidence; (4) UDL is not for specific subject areas; UDL is inherently designed for all subjects; and (5) The assertion that there is no research behind UDL is unfounded and UDL is based on solid research evidence from the learning and brain sciences.¹² ̛ ¹³

Evaluation of the implementation of UDL is based on measuring four fundamental parameters: (1) The extent of implementation of UDL instructional practices: (2) The impact of UDL implementation on student engagement; (3) The impact of UDL implementation on student’s independence in learning; and (4) The impact of UDL implementation on teaching practices.14 The monitoring and evaluation plan of UDL implementation should be incorporated in the design of the UDL and provisions made for flexibility and adjustment of the plan based on the results of ongoing monitoring during the implementation process.14

In Sum, UDL is an essential framework in educational technology for personalized learning which should be implemented to foster equity, and inclusivity and to address the unmet needs of an ever-growing diversity of students, including students with learning disabilities.

References

1. Jaarsma P, Welin S. Autism as a natural human variation: Reflections on the claims of the neurodiversity movement. Health Care Analysis. 2012 Mar 1;20(1):20-30.

2. Armstrong T. The Power of Neurodiversity: Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain (published in hardcover as Neurodiversity). Da Capo Lifelong Books; 2011 Oct 4.

3. Rose DH, Meyer A. Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 1703 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311-1714 (Product no. 101042); 2002.

4. Center for Applied Special Technology. What is universal design for learning? (Web Page). Wakefield, MA: CAST. 2011. Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/udl/index.html

5. Burgstahler S. Universal Design of Instruction (UDI): Definition, Principles, Guidelines, and Examples. DO-IT. 2009 Aug 5. Retrieved from http://www.washington.edu/doit/universal-design-instruction-udi-definition-principles-guidelines-and-examples

6. The Understood Team. Educational Strategies; 2018. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/treatments-approaches/educational- strategies/the-difference-between-universal-design-for-learning-udl-and-traditional-education

7. US Department of Education. Higher Education Opportunity Act; 2008. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html

8. National Center on Universal Design for Learning. Universal Design for Learning Advocacy Call for Change;2015 Retrieved on 04/09/2015 from http://www.udlcenter.org/advocacy/taskforce.

9. Curran CM, Brennan SA, Beckman A, Kohler F. Universal Design for Learning–Addressing Equity, Opportunity and Challenge for All Students;2012.

10. Universal Design for Learning Implementation and Research Network; 2011. Retrieved from https://udl-irn.org/implementation/

11. Smith DD, Tyler NC. Effective inclusive education: Equipping education professionals with necessary skills and knowledge. Prospects. 2011 Sep 1;41(3):323.

12. Messinger-Willman J, Marino MT. Universal design for learning and assistive technology: Leadership considerations for promoting inclusive education in today’s secondary schools. Nassp Bulletin. 2010 Mar;94(1):5-16.

13. Nelson LL, Basham JD. A blueprint for UDL: Considering the design of implementation; 2014. Retrieved from http://udl-irn.org.

14. Cooper-Martin E, Wolanin N. Evaluation of the Universal Design for Learning Projects. Montgomery County Public Schools. 2014 Feb.

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