Universal design for learning and multimedia supports the inclusion of diverse learners with digital learning tools

When I began teaching, the learning design was a “one size fits all” model. Today’s classroom of diverse learners requires a different model of learning design. It has become essential to allow students to use the media of their choice with the structured guidance of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework so they can better communicate and express their understanding of curricular competencies. My literature review reveals that a curriculum imbued with educational media can allow alternatives to using specific learning tools that let learners better articulate what they know. The study and implementation of educational media are critical because it has become the norm for 21st-century learning and can provide an equal opportunity for everyone to learn. The amount of screen time is essential so the students do not experience adverse health effects. The implications are that students learn differently when they are allowed to read, watch, or listen to information multiple times. I advocate that students have access to media tools to support their learning. I notice that students in my classroom are more engaged and feel more successful when they have a choice of multimedia to learn and work with. Implications include teachers having the skills and tools to create lessons embedded with multimedia, how the digital divide affects equal access to multimedia, and the continuing evolution of technology.Not peer reviewedcapstonemultimediainteractive whiteboarddigital learning toolsdiverse learnersuniversal design for learning frameworkscreen tim