Seventeenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

Universal Design for Learning, or UDL, is a powerful framework for designing and delivering more accessible coursework and to optimize teaching and learning for people of all ages and ability levels. It is based on scientific insights about how people learn, and offers multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression to allow for challenging, multimodal learning. Universal Design for Learning is related to the field of Universal Design, which is known as the design of environments, products and services so that they will be accessible to the largest number of individuals possible regardless of age, gender, or ability level. Similarly, Universal Design takes the same idea of maximal accessibility and applies it to a framework for accessible teaching and learning. This proposes a hands-on workshop with a mixture of theory and practice for the purposes of making instruction more accessible. The goals of the workshop are: (1) Identify basic principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The basic three principles include Multiple Means of Engagement, Multiple Means of Representation, and Multiple Means of Action/Expression. (2) Understand how UDL can be used as a strategy for inclusive teaching. This will include specific examples and discussion of how UDL can benefit individuals with different learning styles and preferences as well as different ability levels.(3) Practice applying UDL principles to existing assignments/engagements.