An Effective Institutional Approach to Teaching, Learning & Assessment through a Universal Design for Learning Lens

Duration: 1 Hour, beginning at 15.00 

Platform: Zoom

This session will examine the findings of an effective institutional approach to teaching, learning & assessment through a Universal Design for Learning lens within a Higher Education Institute in the Northwest of Ireland. The presentation will engage the UDL audience in conceptualising a framework to incorporate best inclusive practice through the streams of a strategic UDL workplan, using measurable inclusive assessment tools, inclusive curriculum design and effective instructional design technique. 

Presenters from different disciplines within one Higher Education Institute come together to showcase how a cross-campus strategic approach to implementing UDL through a nationally funded project has contributed to a more inclusive educational student experience.

Key strategic activity resources that drive the initiative deliverables revealed include: 

UDL Digital Badge Programme within the Institute of Technology Sligo: 

• Roll out Moodle page for badge participants providing on-line content; 
• Facilitate Face to Face workshops;
• Liaise and connect UDL champions to participants for support during case study;
• Review case study content and issue digital badge. 

Inclusive Practice Module Audit: 

• Pre-Audit Meetings;  
• UDL Inclusive Practice Audit;  
• Post- Audit Meetings;  
• Inclusive Audit Reflection. 

Inclusive Curriculum Design: 

• Recommend inclusive changes to Module Manager (shared system) for programme and module development;
• Focus group with academics to inform changes;
• Changes implemented. 

UDL Resources Moodle Page / UDL Roadmap/ Infographic: 

• Review UDL support needs and create a webpage for supports as well as a digital showcase of the programme;  
• Create an interactive infographic displaying the timeline for projected outcomes and progress to date with UDL. 

National Collaboration: Peer Facilitation of the national call for UDL2020 Digital Badge Programme: 

• Institute academic staff committed to working with the creators of the national UDL digital badge in facilitating approx. 150 participants in local peer groups for the national roll-out that will see over 500 HE/ FET staff members undertake the UDL Digital Badge.