Using Flipped Learning and

UDL to Reach Each Learner

Lucas Conner
Not All Learners Are the Same
• Different paces
• Different challenges
• Different interests
• Different needs
• Different cultures
• Different languages

Unaltered Image from the Library of Congress

How Does an Instructor Reach Each Learner?
• Accommodate different paces
of learning
• Accommodate for different
needs and challenges
• Engage learners’ interests,
cultures, and passions
• Make learning accessible for
all learners

Unaltered Image from the Library of Congress

Reach Each Learner

Original Image
What Is Flipped Learning?
• “Flips” the traditional instructional model
• Direct instruction: Learner accesses instruction on their own, at their
own pace, often in the form of videos.
• Class time: Interactions with peers, practicing and honing skills,
working with instructor, asking questions, discussing, collaborating
Traditional Learning vs. Flipped Learning

Unaltered Image from Wikimedia Commons

Benefits of Flipped Learning
• Learners can work at their own pace with the direct instruction.
• Learners who need more time do not fall behind.
• Learners who work at a faster pace are not held back.
• Simpler tasks, such as the direct instruction, are done in the student’s
individual space. More complex tasks can then take place in the group
space with the instructor and peers available to assist and collaborate
with.
• More time for instructor interaction with learners.
• More efficient use of instructional time.
 What is Universal Design?
• Universal design is an approach to
designing a feature that can
accommodate those who have a
disability or challenge, while also
being beneficial to those without
the disability or challenge it was
designed for.
• Examples: Automatic doors, ramps,
elevators, captions, Unaltered Image from The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
• UDL is an approach to instructional
design that takes into account how
learners learn and what they are
learning, and designs flexible
methods for representing
knowledge, engaging in learning,
and exercising action and expression
with what they have learned.
• Not one-size-fits-all
• Designed to benefit all learners,
strengths and challenges alike
Unaltered Image from Chrissie Butler
Examples of UDL
• Providing a captions option on videos for learners who struggle with
auditory text. Other learners also benefit from using captions
• Providing textual materials in a format that screen reader apps and
devices can easily read the text to the learner. This can benefit all
learners, especially those who struggle to read written text for any
reason.
• Allowing learners multiple means to demonstrate their learning, such
as a project, oral presentation, written paper, or other means.
• Allowing learners to engage with a topic in the context of their
interests, for instance, a learner interested in video games describing
the principles of motion using Angry Birds.
Flipped Learning and UDL Together
• Combining the design principles of UDL with the approach to direct
instruction of flipped learning can allow an instructor or instructional
designer to make the most of both methods to reach each learner.
• Flipped learning itself is also considered a means of UDL in that it
provides multiple means of representing knowledge to students.
• Learning challenges of all kinds can be more effectively addressed
using the time and flexibility afforded by flipped learning, along with
the options and opportunities of UDL.