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

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.