Social-Emotional Learning:

The Impact of Design in Instruction and Technology

SECTION BREAK

Universal Design for Instruction and Classroom Diversity
Diversity and Universal Design for Instruction integrate well.  They are extremely important concepts and framework for today's diverse learners.  As with any concept, framework, or principle, it requires strong execution.   This requires awareness, desire, training, practice, and implementation.  

UDI may take more thought and strategy but does not necessarily require more resources. It is much more about the approach and intentionality. UDI must first account for cultural values, socio-economic factors, and physical contexts (WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide, n.d.). The seven principles were updated with eight goals to "incorporate human performance, health and wellness, and social participation as outcomes, and address contextual and cultural issues" (WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide, n.d, para. 6). The eight goals cover class climate, interaction, physical environments and products, delivery method, information resources and technology, feedback, assessment, and accommodation (Burgstahler, n.d.).

With diversity focusing on the uniqueness of an individual and UDI focusing on accessibility and inclusivity, UDI is a strong framework to recognize, accommodate, and leverage diversity. It is a strong tool for classroom diversity. However, it is rare that any one tool accomplishes all goals. Other aspects that should be addressed-

1. staff recruitment
2. student distribution
3. resource distribution 
4. organizational culture
5. connection among stakeholders
6. equal, equitable, vs. justice
7. training
8. practice, practice, and practice.

Sway Presentation