Ucd for umb

Universal Design for Learning

February 2013Molly Boyle

Universal Design Specialist, Project CoordinatorInstitute for Community Inclusion

UMass/Boston

AGENDA

Introduction Key Components of Universal Design Understanding Diverse Learners UD Strategies and Examples How to Bring UD to your Organization Q & A

What is Universal Design?

What do we know?

What do we need to know?

What is Universal Design?

Consider the needs of the broadest possible range

of users from the beginning.

Quick Inquiry

‣ Who is the number one user of closed captioning?

‣ What is the purpose of fine grates?

‣ What is the purpose of serrated shampoo bottles?

‣ Who uses automatic lids on trash cans?

How does Universal Design apply to today’s learners?

‣ Who are your clients/customers/students?

‣ What are their goals?

‣ What are their primary learning styles?

‣ How do you address the diversity in your audience?

Who Benefits from Universal Design?

‣ Individuals who speak English as a second language.

‣ International students.

‣ Adult learners.

‣ Individuals with disabilities.

‣ Busy people.

‣ A professional whose teaching style is inconsistent with the individual’s preferred learning style.

✓ EVERYONE

Why strive to work with Multiple Learning Styles?

Universe of Learners

Did you know?

Learning Style Inventories

1) Empower the learner to find his/her style

2) Discuss various styles3) Apply styles to specific

tasks4) Share your learning

preferences5) Have fun!

So, now what?

Key Elements of UDL

Universal Design for Learning is the planning design of Curriculum/Content, Instruction, Assessment/Evaluation, and the Environment to be usable by all learners, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for accommodations.

Key Elements of UD

How does Universal Design relate to Access?

‣ Universal design provides equal access to learning, not simply equal access to information.

‣ Universal Design allows the student to control the method of accessing information while the teacher monitors the learning process and initiates any beneficial methods.

‣ It should be noted that Universal Design does not remove academic challenges; it removes barriers to access.

‣ Simply stated, Universal Design is just good teaching.

Curriculum

‣ Multimedia materials (videos, podcasts, etc.)

‣ Printed or electronic texts

‣ Course materials posted online

‣ Culturally responsive choices

‣ Create Universally Designed documents (such as syllabus, brochures)

‣ Put organization’s resources on key documents (disability, tutoring, counseling, etc.)

Example: Traditional Syllabus

Example: Universally Designed Syllabus

www.thinkcollege.net © Think College 2012

Universal Design Strategies

• Make meetings easier to attend:– Skype/video

conferencing– Accessible location

(library)– Email– Chat room– Phone

• Provide a map of your office

• Give directions from the main entrance to your office

Universally Designed Strategies

Post materials online

‣ Learning style surveys

‣ Frame each class with an essential (or guiding) question

‣ Diversify instruction

‣ Active learning

‣ Scaffold the instruction (i.e. graphic organizers or guided notes)

Instructional Strategies

© Think College 201211

Multi-Media

• Videos• Podcasts• Graphics• Animations• Text to speech• Speech to text

Major characteristics associated with active learning:

Traditional Note Taking

• Sticky notes

• Highlighters

• Colored pens

• Drawings

• Different Paper

– Colored

– Lined

– Graphing

Note Taking using iPad

Note Taking using Computer

Accessibility Validation (.pptx and .docx)

Tips for Effective Presentations- Structure the presentation as a story- Narrow the topic- Establish Relevance - Use appropriate slides, visuals and props - Tell first person narratives - Consider humor - Be enthusiastic - Embrace emotions- Use a conversational tone- Practice

Assessment‣ Provide ongoing evaluation of

“what is working and what is not;”

‣ Provide examples of good work

‣ Encourage learners to choose their medium (e.g. video, speech, paper)

‣ Offer extended or unlimited time to all

‣ E-portfolios

‣ Rubrics

• Meets a variety of learning styles

• Provides all students with clear expectations

• Allows grading criteria to be individualized and modified

• Consistent academic standards• Accessible to all

Rubric Benefits to Students

Example: Assessment using rubric tool

Environment

‣ Teach a cultural respect for all learners

‣ Move furniture around

‣ Repeat any questions

‣ Provide periodic breaks

‣ Use online tools for discussions and review sessions

‣ Project all ideas—use an LCD or other device

Universal Design Strategies

•Verify that attendees can hear and see in meeting rooms•Make sure signage is

accessible•Plan events considering

needs of all types of learners

Using Technology to Enhance Learning & Increase Student Ownership of Learning

A.K.A. becoming

Tips for becoming

Think both low/no tech and high tech Encourage students or peers to be experts Use what you know Create everything from the start in the most

accessible format Post all activities online in a simple format—let the

students control how to access it. Avoid bells and whistles…simple is elegant Use tools to test accessibility & design Baby steps—try one new thing at a time

Next steps?

Strategies for Building (& Sustaining!)

UD at your Organization‣ Initiate the UD movement from within

‣ Listen to the customers/clients/students (with and without disabilities

‣ Emphasize that UD is for ALL

‣ Administrative support

‣ Find Champions & Mentors

‣ Create a UD CORE TEAM

© Think College 2012

UD Core Team Potential Timeline

Second Semester Faculty & UD Core Team Work Together

Third Semester Faculty Mentors New Faculty Work w/ UD Team

Fourth SemesterFaculty MentorsNew Faculty Work w/ UD Team

First Semester UD Core Team Development

Examples from Core Teams

• Resulted in greater understanding of cross-campus facilities related to access and universal design

• Changes documented in:

Orientations Websites Signage Handbooks Academic Support areas

Long Term Impact

• New teaching and

learning center—mission

statement is founded on

Universal Design• Incorporated UD in the

planning stages of a new

hybrid health campus

Contact information

Molly BoyleProject Coordinator and Universal Design SpecialistMolly.Boyle@umb.eduCell: 617.688.7408www.eeonline.org