Introduction to Universal Design for Learning

Course Description

This four-week course will introduce participants to the principles and practices of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The UDL framework provides an approach to designing meaningful learning environments that support learning variability in instructional settings, and creates a learning environment that supports all learners by removing barriers to learning before the learner encounters the barrier. UDL practices promote purposeful, proactive, and reflective design that improves student learning across all levels, and focuses on designing for everyone, instead of separating out accommodations for those who need them. Librarians in any type of library setting can use UDL practices to create dynamic, meaningful learning in both face-to-face and online environments, synchronously or asynchronously. By the end of this course, participants will be able to identify barriers to learning in their instructional practices, describe how UDL can support learners at their institution, and design learning activities using UDL practices.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify barriers to learning in your current instructional practices,
• Describe how UDL can support learners at your institution or in your context,
• Design learning activities using UDL practices.

This course can be taken as one of the courses in our eight-course Certificate in Library Instruction, but can be taken as a stand-alone course as well.