a. Provide a succinct summary, in your own words, of the key concepts that make upUDL.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a discipline that proactively values diversity. It
ensures that supports that help meet the diverse needs of learners are embedded in instructional
materials. The needs of learners are already anticipated, and thus the instructional materials are
designed in such a way that they accommodate different learners and help meet their varying
needs. UDL is made up of here core components. First, it entails multiple means of
representation to allow for accessibility and usability of the materials (Edyburn, 2013). When
information is represented in multiple means, it allows students a wide variety of ways on how to
acquire knowledge and information. For instance, when information is presented only in a
printed format, such information is neither accessible nor usable by several groups of students.
Students who are blind lack access to such information. Students who are gifted may not be well
challenged; thus, the usability of such materials is limited. Also, students who have learning
disabilities may not be able to read the material independently. Thus, to ensure that the needs of
all students are accommodated and well anticipated, learning materials are presented in various
formats, and this gives teachers and students alternatives to learning information, and they are
not limited to barely using a textbook.
Further, UDL entails multiple means of expression. Learners are provided with
alternatives through which they can express themselves and demonstrate what they know
(Edyburn, 2013). Twenty-first-century educators present learners with various means through

which they can demonstrate what they know. For instance, an educator may ask students to
prepare slide show presentations, write an essay paper, record a video, or use tools such as Prezi.
The aim is to give students choices and allow them the opportunity to choose methods that are
familiar to them to demonstrate what they know. This allows for equity as each learner’s needs
are met, and learning is not constrained to a single option. Students have various options to
choose from, and this facilitates learning.
Another key concept that makes up UDL is multiple means of engagement. UDL is based
on the principle that deep learning is achieved through sustained engagement (Edyburn, 2013).
An educator can allow for engagement but facilitating sustained engagement entails planning. It
is achieved through a variety of exciting activities that motivate and challenge students, all while
ensuring that the activities are within each learner’s achievement and capability levels. For
instance, grouping students based on their academic abilities, scaffolding, and integrating
technology tools help the teacher ensure that students engage with each other and with the
educator as well.
b. Discuss how UDL and the incorporation of technology can be used to individualize
learning for students with varied backgrounds, learning styles, and abilities and
thereby create increased opportunities for learning.
UDL is founded on the need to make information and knowledge more accessible. The
incorporation of technology in the classroom helps increase the accessibility and usability of
information and knowledge. It facilitates differentiation and helps individualize learning for
students. For instance, instead of presenting information in a textbook, which limits the
accessibility and usability of the learning material, an educator can scan the text into a computer
and then create a digital version or softcopy of the textbook. This way, the accessibility f the

material is enhanced. Learners who have visual impairments can enlarge the text to a larger font
that is readable. Besides, learners who are blind can access the text through audio. Students have
an option of either reading or listening to the material, and this caters to both auditory and visual
learners. Further, students who may lack computers due to the fact that they come from poor
backgrounds can still access the material through the textbook. Autonomy in the classroom is
enhanced as students get an opportunity to choose the medium through which they want to
receive information. Besides, rather than just using a textbook, the educator may incorporate
videos and other audio materials. This helps cater to and accommodate different learners while
catering to their diverse needs.
c. Discuss the impact that using UDL may have on your current or anticipated
teaching or professional role.
Using UDL will allow me as an educator to provide my learners with choices to foster
engagement and access to information and knowledge. using UDL will enable me to differentiate
instruction and individualize learning so that each learner’s unique needs are met. “Research
shows that the way people learn is as unique as their fingerprints are” (CAST, 2010). Thus, using
UDL will help me minimize barriers to learning and maximize learning for all students. It will
ensure that I implement a curriculum that caters to the genuine needs of each of the learners in
my classroom. Further, UDL will provide me with a variety of resources and strategies to use
and thus be in a better position to meet the needs of the students, increase their success, as well
as improve the accessibility of learning materials and opportunities. Throughout my time here at
Ashford, I have learned that students have different abilities, characteristics, needs, and
preferences. Such individual features affect the role of an educator as they also directly affect the
student’s learning experiences and academic performance (Al-Azawei et al., 2016). As such, the

UDL provides a more comprehensive framework that helps the educator ensure that factors such
as needs, preferences, characteristics, and abilities do not hinder the ability of a student to
succeed academically. As an educator, I will be able to reduce learning barriers caused by such
factors from all angles by overcoming the learner deficits that could be caused by abilities and
preferences. Through UDL, I will be in a position to ensure that my instruction is learner-
centered by providing for multiple means of expression, representation as well as learner
engagement.
d. Share an idea; including what you learned to inform your initial response to this
discussion; how might you include what you’ve learned about UDL in your plan for
the Week Six Final Project: Community Event?
I have learned quite a lot about UDL, and these lessons will largely inform my week six
plan. First, I have learned that UDL is founded on multiple means of representation, expression,
and engagement. As such, I will inform these three core concepts in my plan while explaining
how they can be implemented in a classroom environment. Further, I will touch on the
incorporation of technology. In the z1st century classroom, technology integration is key in
teaching 21 st -century skills. As such, the incorporation of technology while using UDL is key in
ensuring that learning takes place effectively and the learners achieve success.

References

Al-Azawei, A., Serenelli, F., & Lundqvist, K. (2016). Universal Design for Learning
(UDL): A content analysis of peer-reviewed journals from 2012 to 2015. Journal
of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 16(3), 39-56.
CAST. (2010, January 6). UDL at a glance  (Links to an external site.)[Video file].
Retrieved from http://youtu.be/bDvKnY0g6e4
Edyburn, D. L. (2013). Inclusive technologies: Tools for helping diverse learners achieve
academic success. (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. 
Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/