From Theory to Practice: How to Apply UDL 3.0 with Generative AI

Real Tools, Real Lessons, and Time-Saving Tips for Educators 

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has long promised inclusive, flexible learning for all students—but actually implementing it can feel overwhelming. Between planning, grading, and adapting materials, it’s often left in the "nice to have" category.

But what if AI could help change that?

In this follow-up to our UDL 101 blog post, we’re showing you how UDL 3.0 comes to life with generative AI tools. These examples come straight from our three-part workshop series with the Educator Network, packed with tools, use cases, and real student examples.

🔗 Jump to Section: 

• What is UDL 3.0?
• Smarter Lesson Planning with AI
• Real Examples Across Contexts
• Student POV
• Objections, Answered
• Take the Next Step

🔍 Quick Recap: What is UDL 3.0?

UDL 3.0 is the latest version of the Universal Design for Learning framework, developed by CAST. It centres on breaking down barriers to learning through flexibility, accessibility, and learner choice. Its three core principles are:

The framework is built on three core principles:

• Engagement – How learners get interested and stay motivated

• Representation – How information is presented to learners

• Action & Expression – How learners demonstrate what they know

UDL is often misunderstood as just for learners with special needs—but in reality, it benefits all students.

 💡 Smarter Lesson Planning with AI

Creating a UDL-aligned lesson plan can be time-consuming—unless you have AI in your corner. Here’s a look at some tools we used:

Screenshot of Ludia generating UDL checkpoint-aligned lesson ideas

Screenshot of Brisk suggesting UDL edits in Google Doc

🧑‍🏫 Real Examples Across Contexts

✅ Workplace Learning 

• Multilingual agents allow learners to explore content in their preferred language

• Video overviews and chatbots support on-demand learning

✅ Higher Education

• Students use AI for role plays (e.g. marketing pitch simulation)

• AI grades presentations using rubrics and gives instant feedback

✅ K-12 / Secondary & Primary 

• AI tutors engage students in Socratic dialogue

• Voice + language switching for ESL learners

Screenshots of a student switching the AI tutor to Spanish

• Virtual interviews with historical figures as alternative assessments 

 🚀 Student POV: UDL in Action

To show the full potential, we flipped the camera around in Part 3. What happens when you give learners full choice, representation, and autonomy with AI?

Here’s what one "student" (yes, us!) created:

• 🎧 Podcast-style explainer generated by AI narration

• 🧠 AI chatbot tutor (with Socratic method and Spanish switching)

• 🎮 Mandarin flashcard game coded entirely using ChatGPT

• 🎥 Presentation practice with delivery feedback via ChatGPT

• 👨‍🏫 AI interview with Daniel Kahneman

Screenshot of Kahneman virtual interview chat

 ⚡ Objections, Answered

“I don’t have time to redesign everything.”
Let AI generate 2–3 options for any assignment in under 5 minutes.

“I’m not tech-savvy.”
These tools are beginner-friendly and mostly free.

“My students won’t engage with AI.”
Let them try a voice tutor or role play in their language. Engagement goes up.

 📅 What You Can Try Today

Choose one of the tools above and try applying it to a single lesson plan. Or use our checklist to start small and build confidence.

📄 Download: Weekly UDL Checklist 

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 ✨ Ready to Take the Next Step?

• 🎓 Join our Free Digital Pedagogy Workshop
  Learn practical strategies for AI-enhanced, inclusive teaching
  📍 Sign up now

• 🧠 Explore our AI Boot Camp
  Master AI tools for educators—lesson planning, assessment, and more
  📍 Join the Boot Camp

• 🚀 Try Noodle Factory’s Platform for Free
  Customise your own AI tutor, create engaging lessons, and more
  📍 Start for free

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📢 Found this helpful? Share it with your faculty or PLN, and tag us @noodlefactory.ai. Let’s make UDL easier—together.