Universal Design for Learning in Online Courses Presented by: Jennifer Jones Wake Technical Community College

Session Goals Introduce participants to the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Provide tips and resources on how to present course content in a variety of formats to meet the needs of all students Explore using digital tools to create activities to meet varying learning styles that keep students motivated and engaged in an online course

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) “UDL provides a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that work for everyone--not a single, one-size-fits-all solution but rather flexible approaches that can be customized and adjusted for individual needs.” From: CAST (http://www.cast.org/udl/index.html)

Principles of UDL Representation Expression Engagement

Representation Providing course materials in a variety of formats Helping students make connections with content Examples: Videos with captions and transcript Audio with transcript Printable copy of online content PDF that allows for text to speech Using symbols to represent text or ideas

Expression Allowing students to express or create work in multiple formats Varied activities and tools used to complete activities Multiple forms of communication Examples: Using email, Skype, online office hours Students choose the tools used to complete activities

Engagement Involving students with multiple ways of interacting with the course Examples: Orientation to online course/ course tour Discussion forums Group activities Virtual field trips Formative assessments

Digital Tools for UDL Use free tools available online to create course content in multiple formats. Provide students with links and ideas on free tools available online.

Representation Tools

Expression Tools

Engagement Tools

Additional Resources CAST - Center for Applied Special Technology What is Universal Design for Learning? Colorado State University Best Practices through Universal Design for Learning Print Resources for UDL National Center on Educational Outcomes Universally Designed Assessments Ryerson University The Learning & Teaching Office - Universal Instructional Design resources

Additional Resources San Francisco State University The Center for Teaching and Faculty Development - Universal Design for Learning U.S. Department of Education - Office of Special Education Programs Toolkit on Universal Design for Learning University of Washington Universal Design of Instruction - tips and resources

Images Images are from Open Clip Gallery http://www.openclipart.org/

Questions