Faculty Center > Faculty Resources > Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design of Instruction
This extensive site provides a somewhat detailed introduction to UDL. It includes the "Seven Principles of UD," and sets forth a process for using UDL to design a class. Examples for steps and strategies are given for various learning situations such as large classes, test-taking, travel programs, and others. Case studies, FAQ pages, and further resource pages are provided for each situation.
Journal of Special Education Technology (2000, 15:1)
This column briefly explains the history of Universal Design and then draws a distinction between Universal Design and Universal Design for Learning. A rationale is given for the necessity of using multimedia and digital technology for UDL. Distinctions are drawn between UDL technologies and assistive technologies. This is a good general introduction to the topic of UDL.
Applications of Universal Design
This site provides many resources that are categorized for different needs, such as education, student services, libraries, and even product design. This site does not focus on college education but gives an introduction to the very wide variety of contexts in which UD is used.
This 149-pg booklet provides detailed information based on qualitative research performed at Georgian College . A particularly useful section is a grid that displays the level of effort required for a professor to use a particular UDL strategy (eg: Providing extra time for testing - Low; Creating alternative assignments for different learning styles - High).
Tips for Applying the Principles of Universal Design
This very simple webpage provides practical ideas for using the Principles of UD in a classroom and demonstrates that many teachers already use strategies that support UDL (eg: providing study guides, posting materials ahead of time, encouraging students to take advantage of academic services).
UDL Implementation Self-Assessment
Faculty can check to see how far they have progressed in designing their classes along UDL principles.
Providing New Access to the General Curriculum
(Teaching Exceptional Children, 2002, 35(2):8-17)
This article, while not focused on college education, provides an excellent discussion of the philosophies and rationales behind UDL.
Universal Design Across the Curriculum
(New Directions in Higher Education 2007, 137:27-44)
A scholarly article about UDL in higher education, describing the history of UDL and the main "players" in the movement in higher education.
