Universal Design for Learning community of practice
This Community of Practice (CoP) is focused on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which is a versatile, collaborative structure that can be adapted for many contexts.
What is UDL?
Backed by scientific insights, UDL is a framework designed to create and optimize more accessible learning and working environments.
The framework is designed around three principles, including:
- Engagement (WHY) – how a person connects with information and tasks
- Representation (WHAT) – how a person accesses and understands information
- Expression – (HOW) – how a person demonstrates understanding through completing tasks
Now that we’ve outlined what UDL is, let’s look at what it is NOT.
UDL does not:
- Exist only in academic settings
- Lower academic integrity or rigor of post-secondary instruction
- Mean needing to do everything at once
Benefits of UDL
At its core, UDL provides choice, autonomy and flexibility, building on people’s strengths and reducing barriers in how they interact with their environment.
What can faculty expect from this CoP?
UDL CoP will explore how personal learning preferences may impact students’ experiences. We will reflect on tangible strategies to tailor content and supports to a wider variety of preferences to increase student engagement.
What can staff expect from this CoP?
Staff will develop better communication habits to reach and connect with a wider audience and reflect on ways to adopt UDL principles in a variety of contexts.
About our UDL CoP facilitators
Tatiana Kloster is an Educational Development Lead in CTLI. Tatiana holds a Master’s degree in Slavic Languages and Literatures (U of A), and a certificate in Adult Learning Specializing in e-Learning (U of C). She is also a graduate student in a Master’s of Educational Technology program at UBC. Tatiana is curious about how critical digital pedagogy might empower learners and foster their agency leading to transformative learning experiences. In her spare time, she loves biking, reading sci-fi, and baking bread.
tatiana.kloster@lethbridgecollege.ca
