Addressing the Needs of Diverse Learners
UDL / Differentiated Instruction / Personalized Learning
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Differences
Personalized
Learning
partners &
co-designers with their learners
- Learners dictate their own learning
Differentiated
Instruction
- Teachers adjust instruction
to meet the needs of
their specific group of
learners
guide instructional decisions
UDL
adjusted in the original design
to meet the needs of
all learners
- Instructional modifications are made from the start
- Designed with the needs of all students in mind
- Methods used, materials provided, and assessment tools are geared to be used by all students
- Flexible curriculum that takes on the burden of adaptation so that the student doesn’t have to
- Minimizes barriers
- Maximizes access to both information and learning
- Supports the 3 learning components in the brain:
- Recognition - (flexible in presentation)
- Strategy - (flexible in expression)
- Effect - (flexible options for student engagement)
- Use of digital materials allows learning materials to be
modified and customized to the learner.
(Hall, Strangman, & Meyer, 2011)
Conclusion
Overall, the goals of UDL, Differentiated Instruction, and Personalized Learning all have the best interest of the learner in mind. Creating an environment that allows and encourages a student to learn in a way that makes sense to them can create the ultimate gift in learning...as Benjamin Franklin stated,
"Tell me and I forget.
Teach me and I remember.
Involve me and I learn."
~Benjamin Franklin
References
Bray, B., & McCaskey, K. (2013). A step by step guide to
personalize learning. Learning and Leading with Technology. Retrieved from http://http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/201305#pg16
Hall, T., Strangman, N., & Meyer, A. (2011). Differentiated
Instruction and Implications for UDL Implementation. Retrieved from http://aim.cast.org/learn/historyarchieve/backgroundpapers/differentiated_instruction_udl
Similarities
Differentiated Instruction
- Instruction is tailored to the learning preferences of different learners (Bray & McCaskey, 2013)
The teacher
- provides instruction and adjusts to the learning needs of the group
- selects technology and additional resources to support the learning needs of the group
- provides multiple examples to support group learning
- uses assessments for learning
- data is used to provide ongoing feedback
Similar beliefs that:
- Students should be given the opportunity to learn in a
way that is best for them
- "One size fits all" instruction does not work
- Benefits of using technology as a tool to reach diverse needs of students and learners
- "Flexibility" benefits student learning
- Offer choices in learning content, tools and contexts
Personalized Learning
Starts with the Learner
- Learning is self-directed
- The learner recognizes how he/she learns best & designs the learning path
- Learning times & places are flexible
- Teachers are partners in learning
- Learners have access to technology in order to support their own learning
(Bray & McCaskey, 2013)
Carrie McCollam
EDSP 620
01.18.2015