Universal Design Learning (UDL) is a teaching approach designed for  diverse student populations.  This framework helps schools provide rich  supports for learning so that all individuals can succeed in the general education curriculum. UDL means differentiating instruction on the front end for the whole class so that instruction is provided in multiple ways to meet the needs of all diverse learners. With UDL, fewer adaptations are needed for individual students because the differentiation is built in.

In essence, UDL is differentiated instruction with an additional focus on utilizing technology to engage and challenge students.  No two students learn in the same way.  Three essential principles of UDL are based on recent brain research about our learning networks and recognize differences in student learning styles:

*  Multiple means of representation give students a variety of ways to acquire information,

*  Multiple means of expression provide students with alternatives for learning and demonstrating what they know,

*  Multiple means of engagement tap into student interests and increases motivation.

When teaching presentation methods and class activities include these three ingredients for learning and infuse technology options, every student can be successful in school.