Universal Design for Learning: Five tips
This page offers small, actionable ideas to help you integrate UDL into your teaching—whether in Canvas or the classroom.
Five tips
1
Start your design process with text
When planning any new content (like a video, demo, or presentation), begin by drafting a script, description, or detailed notes. This automatically gives you a text version that can be adapted into multiple formats. Text is flexible, searchable, and supports assistive technologies such as screen readers—making it a strong foundation for accessible teaching.
2
Create alternatives for challenging content
Identify the topics your students typically struggle with. Start by offering a second way of engaging with that content—such as a video demonstration alongside a written explanation. If time and resources allow, expand those into additional formats, like visuals, diagrams, or guided walkthroughs.
3
Offer more than one way to meet a learning objective
Think about assessment variety. Could a student meet a learning goal by creating a short video instead of writing a report? Could they present their thinking in a diagram, oral presentation, or live demo? Giving students a choice in how they show what they know builds motivation and ownership.
4
Break longer tasks into smaller, focused segments
Students are more likely to stay engaged with shorter blocks of content. Instead of a 60-minute video, break it into 6 shorter ones. Use ten minutes for explanation or demonstration, followed by a 2-minute activity or reflection prompt. This improves accessibility, attention, and retention.
5
Use shareable, low-barrier formats
When recording media, consider screen captures of slideshows with voiceover and captions—these can be played back on any device without needing special software. Share interactions, explanations, or examples in ways that are lightweight and easy to access across platforms.
Page updated 10/07/2025 (content refresh)