Lesson 02
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles
Inclusive Teaching Practices · Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Video
Lesson video
Members only
Sign in to watch this video.
We’ll email you a six-digit one-time code. You can still read the summary and additional resources below.
Sign in to watchFeedback
What did you think?
Choose any that fit. Signed-in members can see the totals.
Sign in to react.
Choose as many reactions as you like and see the totals. Reactions and comments use your profile name; your email stays private.
Sign inDiscussion
Comments
Keep comments specific to the lesson. Replies are limited to one level.
Sign in to read or post comments.
Comments are visible to signed-in GuruSetu members. Your email stays private.
Sign inSummary
Summary, mindmap and highlights
UDL starts with a practical observation: learner variability is ordinary. A course is easier to enter when the design anticipates differences in prior knowledge, language, attention, disability, confidence and available technology.
CAST organises the framework around multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression. Engagement concerns purpose and sustained involvement. Representation concerns how information can be perceived and understood. Action and expression concerns how learners practise, communicate and show what they know.
The learning goal and quality standard remain clear while the route gains useful flexibility. A diagram can accompany a dense explanation, a transcript can accompany audio, and an assessment can offer several accessible media when each option measures the same outcome.
The video is an older overview. CAST's current Guidelines 3.0 add stronger attention to identity, bias and collective learning. They should be the working reference for course redesign.
Concept map
Mindmap
Select a branch to collapse or expand it. Zoom as needed, then export the current view as a PNG.
Interactive map
Use the arrow keys to move through the map. Press Enter or Space on a branch to collapse or expand it.
- 01
UDL plans for learner variability from the start.
- 02
Engagement addresses purpose, choice and sustained effort.
- 03
Representation addresses access to and understanding of information.
- 04
Action and expression address practice, communication and demonstration of learning.
- 05
Flexible routes still share explicit goals and standards.
- 06
CAST Guidelines 3.0 are the current implementation reference.
Review this lesson
Review
Test yourself with flashcards or write a private note.
Active recall
Answer before revealing the card
Add any card you want to practise. It will appear on the Review page when it is due.
Card
01 / 05
Private notes
Your lesson notes
Write in Markdown, then switch to Preview to check the formatting. Your note is private and is saved when you choose Save.

Save a private note for this lesson.
Sign in to write a Markdown note. Download this note from the lesson or export all notes as a ZIP from your profile.
Sign in to writeFor this lesson
Additional resources
Use these readings and tools to check sources, extend the topic or apply it in your teaching.
CAST
CAST UDL Guidelines 3.0
The current guidelines, with considerations and examples under the three UDL principles.
CAST
UDL on Campus
Higher-education applications covering course design, media, assessment and institutional practice.
Cornell Center for Teaching Innovation
Universal Design for Learning
A concise university-facing guide with realistic course-design moves.
AHEAD Ireland
Universal Design for Learning
An accessible higher-education collection with implementation tools and examples.


