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

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

To start, let's address the question: What is UDL?

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

When UDL principles are incorporated into e-learning development, it reduces the need for retroactive adjustments—for example, when individuals with disabilities are unable to participate in the e-learning.

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

Read the basics of creating an online course here.

The 3 UDL principles

1. Representation - provide learning materials in various ways

This UDL principle encourages e-learning developers to present information in different formats, such as text, images, video, audio, or hands-on activities. Additionally, it accounts for the fact that learners may require assistive technologies and devices to support their learning, such as screen readers, speech-to-text software, or subtitles, to access this content.

It is important to make information available in multiple formats because learners differ in how they perceive and understand the concepts presented to them. A "one size fits all" approach is not a good choice for meeting the learning needs of students with learning disabilities, sensory impairments, or cultural and linguistic differences.

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

I can hear you thinking: how do you know what someone's preference is? You can simply ask the learner. Then, you let the e-learning automatically adapt based on the answer provided. To achieve this, you need a digital learning environment that allows for personalized learning paths—like Pluvo!

2. Action and expression - let learners demonstrate their knowledge in different ways

This principle encourages e-learning developers to enable their learners to demonstrate what they have learned in various ways. Some learners 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 testing knowledge!

3. Engagement - encourage everyone to learn

This UDL principle encourages e-learning developers to use different ways to motivate learners. Depending on the learner's culture, neurology, personal relevance, and prior knowledge, they can be motivated to learn in multiple ways. For example, learners with dyslexia are generally able to grasp concepts faster when they can practice with them directly rather than reading about them. These learners may be more motivated to learn if concepts are presented through activities involving kinesthetic skills, such as drama or role-playing.

A single method of engagement is not suitable for all learners in every context. Some learners prefer to work alone, others in a group. Some study from home in their attic with the volume turned up, others in the quiet carriage on the train on their way to work. Some cannot see, others cannot hear, and so on.

Why should you choose a universal design?

Developing your e-learning according to UDL principles shows that you take inclusivity and accessibility seriously. Plus, it’s much more rewarding to guide a group of enthusiastic learners than one that is bored. UDL also makes your e-learning sustainable; by setting it up correctly from the start, you avoid having to make later adjustments because you forgot to add features like video subtitles.

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