Universal Instructional Design - Notes

Models

There are multiple models for universal design of education:

• Universal Design in Education, Frank Bowe
• Universal Design of Instruction (UDI), University of Connecticut
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)
• Universal Instructional Design (UID), University of Guelph, Canada

The 9 Principles of Universal Instructional Design

1. Equitable
2. Flexible
3. Simple & Intuitive
4. Perceptible information
5. Tolerance for error
6. Low physical effort
7. Size and space for approach and use
8. A community of learners
9. Instructional climate

Image Source: Doyle, Tina., Dawson, Teresa (2004). Universal Instructional Design: Creating an Accessible Curriculum. University of Toronto: Scarborough Campus. http://www.facultyware.uconn.edu/udi_factsheet.cfm

• Description of 9 Principles: http://www.facultyware.uconn.edu/UDI_principles.htm
• Examples of 9 Principles:
  • http://www.facultyware.uconn.edu/UDI_examples.htm
  • http://www.udi.uconn.edu/index.php?q=content/examples-udi-online-and-blended-courses

1. Equitable

In practice: ³

• Electronic formats appear to be a common approach, notably course materials on a website.
• Websites may, or may not be accessible or properly structured.
• Website maintainers may not be aware of accessibility concerns relating to course materials on websites.

2. Flexible

In practice: ³

• Multimodal material - audio, video, images that can be reused
• Different interaction strategies including discussions (online and in class), hands-on lessons, etc.
• Notes, exercises, tests (past and previous) available online or on paper to aid student-driven learning
• Choice of assignments, tests, and due dates.

3. Simple & Intuitive

In practice: ³

• Minimize the need to learn new tools to access content.
• Differentiate between primary and secondary content.
• Consistent class, learning, and marking structures.

4. Perceptible

In Practice:

• Power Point presentation in class.
• Lecture hand-outs to use during class (slide notes).
• Available digital versions of printed materials.
• Alt Text for images.

5. Tolerance for Error

In practice:

• Breaking large assignments into smaller portions for intermediate feedback.
• Frequent assessment and feedback throughout course.
• Safe assessment environments. i.e. online, ample assessment time.
• Immediate feedback for erroneous user action (i.e. for online forms).

6. Low Physical Effort

In practice:

• Allow the use of word processors for submissions.
• Make available electronic resources so students don't need to physically travel / acquire the materials.
• Electronic submissions.

7. Size and Space for approach and use

In practice:

• small groups: circular seating arrangment.
• left-handed seats.

Tools for Reaching Diverse Learners

• Links to online resources (like WCAG, and CAST) are provided to instruction designers. - Expectation is that designers will take these resources and implement what is needed / required.
  • Example: http://www.alliance.brown.edu/tdl/access.shtml

• Ten Simple Steps Toward Universal Design of Online Courses: http://ualr.edu/pace/tenstepsud/index.htm#9c
  • A good summary of design and implementation issues to consider.
  • Topics include: choosing a CMS, accessibility of CMS features like chat and evaluations.

• Examples:
  • http://facstaff.gpc.edu/~acraig/Webquest/process5.htm

• UID @ University of Guelph
  • Performed multiple case studies on courses - some courses redesigned completely, while some were enhanced.
  • http://www.tss.uoguelph.ca/uid/indexproject.html

References:

Scott, S.S., McGuire, J.M., & Embry, P. (2002). Universal design for instruction fact sheet. Storrs : University of Connecticut , Center on Postsecondary Education and Disability. http://www.facultyware.uconn.edu/udi_factsheet.cfm

UDI Online Project. (2010). Universal Design for Instruction Module. Center on Postsecondary Education and Disability, University of Connecticut, Storrs. http://www.udi.uconn.edu/index.php?q=content/universal-design-instruction-module .

³ Universal Instructional Design Principles at the University of Guelph. University of Guelph. http://www.tss.uoguelph.ca/uid/uidprinciples.cfm

Doyle, Tina., Dawson, Teresa (2004). Universal Instructional Design: Creating an Accessible Curriculum. University of Toronto: Scarborough Campus. http://www.facultyware.uconn.edu/udi_factsheet.cfm