Dates

Wednesday 23rd October, 2024

 

Times

2:00 – 4:00pm GMT

 

Location

Online (live virtual class)

 

Description

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) acknowledges the variability present in all learners in relation to how they get interested in, and are motivated by learning, as well as how they persist with learning in the face of challenges (Engagement). UDL also acknowledges the variability present in all learners in relation to how they acquire and use information related to learning, including language and symbols (Representation), and how they communicate and demonstrate their learning in given contexts (Action & Expression).

​

Successful implementation of UDL is largely about providing flexible options across each of the aforementioned areas to legitimately reduce or remove barriers. One commonality with barriers is that they are entirely environmental, meaning that they are part of the design of the culture, context, approach, and physical setting in which learning takes place.

​

This updted workshop will explore how the physical and virtual learning environment can create barriers to effective Engagement, Representation and Action & Expression among diverse communities of learners. Specifically, the workshop will explore how barriers can unknowingly be created in learning spaces, preventing learners from learning in the most effective way and in some cases, leading to their complete or partial exclusion from learning. The workshop will present and discuss some potential approaches to supporting the reduction or removal of barriers in the learning space, as well as present a clear blueprint for making learning spaces more accessible, inclusive and equitable, by becoming an instructional tool, instead of just somewhere to teach.

​

*Please note, the course will only run with 8 or more participants. If there are fewer than 8 enrolments, a 100% refund will be provided to anyone that has registered.

 

As part of their engagement with the course participants will:

• Understand and recognise environmental barriers from a learning spaces perspective

• Apply the UDL principles to learning space design

• Appreciate the synergy between learning space design and instructional practice

• Gain valuable takeaway ideas on making learning spaces more accessible, inclusive and equitable

 

Who is the course for?

Colleagues engaged in a wide variety of roles that involve teaching and / or support for student learning, including higher and further education teaching staff, instructional designers, student services colleagues, learning technologists, and those involved in professional learning and development.