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

Equitable
Flexible
Simple & Intuitive
Perceptible information
Tolerance for error
Low physical effort
Size and space for approach and use
A community of learners
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

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