A brief video developed by CAST about using Universal Design for Learning in a College Setting. The original version of this video targeted a K-12 audience. College STAR created this version to contain images that align with a post-secondary audience.

Support for this Module

Support for this video adaptation was made possible by the College STAR (Supporting Transition Access and Retention) initiative.  College STAR was a grant-funded project focused on partnering postsecondary educational professionals and students to learn ways for helping postsecondary campuses become more welcoming of students with learning and attention differences. Much of this work was made possible by generous funding from the Oak Foundation.

This video provides an introduction to UDL from a higher education perspective. Universal Design for Learning, or UDL, is a set of learning design principles that increase access and reduce barriers for all types of learners. This video offers strategies for engagement, one of the three UDL principles promoted by CAST. Engagement considers how students are motivated to learn the content by connecting course concepts to their academic, professional and personal lives.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework developed by CAST. UDL guides the design of learning experiences to proactively meet the needs of all learners. When you use UDL, you assume that barriers to learning are in the design of the environment, not in the student. UDL is based on brain science and evidence-based educational practices. It also leverages the power of digital technology.

The exploratory and planning phases of UDL implementation can seem daunting.  Close attention to logistics is key whether implementing mandated UDL district-wide or growing UDL from the ground up, one school at a time.  This conference proceeding highlights the variables affecting UDL implementation at the outset. It also describes one school districts experience implementing UDL school by school, including school selection, leadership identification, and the role of UDL consultants and principals. The author provides a timeline of preparatory tasks.

The process by which the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) implemented UDL district wide is described in detail in this conference proceeding.  "Dynamic" and "challenging" are adjectives used to describe their experience.  Ultimately, UDL helped ensure the academic success of their students.    

CAST video describing how the UDL framework guides the design of instructional goals, assessments, methods, and materials that can be customized and adjusted to meet individual needs. This video provides educators new to UDL with a good introduction to the framework.

 An overview of the UDL guidelines, in video format. This series of brief videos explains each guidline at the checkpoint level and offers practical examples of each checkpoint in action. 

Animated video that explains the fundamental elements of UDL.  

This sample video from the Hoonuit course, Universal Design for Learning, presents a brief introduction into the basics of UDL. 

Brian Erickson, Rubicon International, interviews Bryan Dean, Oakland Schools and IRN Board Member, following the 2016 UDL-IRN Summit. Dean and Erickson discuss UDL, and Dean identifies helpful UDL resources.  Links to resources are provided in the text.  Readers will find a link to the audio version of the interview.