Introduction

What is Universal Design for Learning?

In this workshop, you will learn how to start designing or adapting your Canvas course based on Universal Design for Learning principles. This entails creating engaging and informative material that is not only aesthetically appealing, but also usable and comprehendible for students with physical limitations, learning challenges, or any other differences that impact learning, whether a registered disability or not (this can also include students with depression/anxiety, students who speak English as a second language, and myriad other factors!)

Radial approach to UDL application

A radial view of UDL is all about expansion of the learning experience to improve the outcomes for all learners. In this view, the practice of UDL is framed by a three-principle approach. Instructors ought to provide:

• Multiple means of engagement, to tap into learners' variable interests, provide appropriate levels of challenge, and increase motivation.
• Multiple means of representation, to enable options for how learners acquire and comprehend information.
• Multiple means of action and expression, to enable options for how learners interact, communicate, and express their knowledge.
  
  

Applying UDL in your Canvas courses acknowledges the following truths:

• not all students learn in the same way
• students vary in their strengths and areas for improvement
• traditional instruction has limited flexibility for addressing these differences
• increasing options and flexibility in how students acquire information, express themselves, and engage in the learning means more students are able to experience optimal learning conditions, for the benefit of all.