Monica Simmons
Week 5 Blog This article investigates how well K-12 blended and fully online learning materials align with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. UDL is an educational framework focused on making learning accessible to all students by offering multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression. The authors aimed to evaluate digital learning resources commonly used in K-12 online and blended classrooms to determine how well they support UDL guidelines. They focused particularly on the inclusivity and flexibility of these materials for diverse learners, including students with disabilities. Researchers reviewed and coded a sample of digital instructional materials using a rubric based on the CAST UDL guidelines. They analyzed how many of the UDL checkpoints were addressed in each resource and in what ways. In their findings most online and blended learning materials only partially support UDL principles. There was stron...