Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to course design and facilitation allows educators to proactively address learner variability and reduce barriers for students. Join this workshop to explore a curated list of UDL strategies, identify strategies already in use, and develop an action plan to implement new strategies.

Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to course design and facilitation allows educators to proactively address learner variability, reduce barriers to online learning, and foster equity and inclusion across diverse learner populations. Although UDL has gained popularity over the past several years and more educators have developed familiarity with UDL principles and strategies, it can be challenging and overwhelming to determine where to start and how to put these strategies into practice. During this workshop, attendees will explore a curated list of UDL course design and facilitation strategies for both online and blended learning environments, identify the strategies they are already using, and identify the strategies they would like to implement within their institutional context. Attendees will be engaged in small group discussions during this workshop so that they may further explore UDL principles, share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate. In the first small group discussion, attendees will discuss the similarities and differences between UDL, digital accessibility, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in order to gain an understanding of how UDL helps address learner variability, reduce barriers to online learning, and fosters equity and inclusion across diverse learner populations. The second small group discussion will allow attendees to share their ideas, concerns, and questions following individual work time to reflect on implementing UDL strategies within their institutional context. We will wrap up the workshop with a simple action plan activity where attendees identify UDL strategies they can implement within the next two months, six months, and one year. This action plan will help attendees determine how they will apply the effective practices shared in the workshop at their home institution. The activities and takeaways planned for this workshop align with the OLC Innovate Track #2 – Digital Learning Design and Effectiveness. Throughout this workshop we will model UDL principles, including sharing examples in multiple formats (e.g., multiple means of representation) and providing choice for attendees (e.g., multiple means of action and expression) when selecting which activities they choose to engage in based on interest or experience level. Workshop attendees will have access to the PowerPoint presentation, digital and printed versions of the worksheets used during this workshop, and a list of UDL resources. Session Outcomes: • Identify Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. • Discuss the similarities and differences between UDL, digital accessibility, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). • Explore UDL strategies for online and blended courses. • Identify UDL strategies already implemented and strategies you would like to implement within your institutional context. • Develop a short action plan to implement the UDL strategies within your institutional context. Interaction Strategies: • Large group discussions • Small group discussions • Individual reflection/work time • Workshop instructors will circulate to check in on small group discussions and answer individual and group questions. *Special Note: We delivered this workshop at OLC Innovate 2024. There were over 50 participants who attended this workshop. Due to the high level of interest and the positive feedback we received, we would like to offer this workshop for a different audience at OLC Accelerate 2024. Workshop Outline 1. Welcome - 10 minutes (Introductions, Session Goals, Agenda, KWL Activity – What do attendees know about UDL? What would they like to know about UDL?) 2. Short presentation – Universal Design for Learning Principles – 15 minutes 3. Small group discussion – 15 minutes (What similarities and differences do you see between UDL, digital accessibility, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)?) 4. Introduction to Practical Applications of UDL Worksheet – 5 minutes 5. UDL Worksheet Section 1: Individual Work Time – 5 minutes 6. UDL Worksheet Section 1: Report back – 3 – 5 minutes 7. UDL Worksheet – Section/Activity of your choice – 5 minutes 8. Small group discussion (UDL strategies) – 15 minutes 9. Draft Action Plan – 10 minutes 10. Session Wrap-up/Questions - 10 minutes Technology and Room Requirements: • Attendees should bring a laptop to the workshop. The worksheets used during this workshop will be accessible to attendees via Google Docs. We will also bring printed copies and pens for attendees who prefer to use paper worksheets during the workshop. • Presenters will need a projector, microphones, and wifi access. We will bring our own laptops. • A room set up with round tables for small group activities and discussions is preferred.