OLTD Learning Outcome:
- Develop and design intentional learning activities suitable for the appropriate environment and the learner:
- Incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles
- Select strategies and resources appropriate for environment, learners and learning outcomes
Evidence to Support Outcome:
Reflection to Support Evidence:
At the beginning of December of 2013, as part of OLTD 502, I reviewed the methods and materials currently used by the Centre for Innovation and Excellence in Learning (CIEL) at Vancouver Island University (VIU) to deliver introductory, or basics, training on the Desire2Learn Learning Management System (VIULearn LMS).
The critique looked at whether or not Universal Design for Learning (UDL) or Universal Design for Instruction (UDI) principles were being met. The critique identifies key areas where the rebuild of the material should focus to achieve the best outcomes for UDL and UDI. I used an adapted form of the UDL guidelines available here (http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines/udlguidelines_graphicorganizer) and the Rubric for Online Instruction (ROI) available here: (http://www.csuchico.edu/roi/) to inform my critique and rebuild recommendations.
At the time of the creation of this document, CIEL was planning to make improvement to the current training materials move toward a fully-online and asynchronous form of training that could be delivered “just in time” to faculty members. This critique helped me to better understand the principles of UDL in a practical context. As well, the critique helped me to develop the understanding and vocabulary necessary to be a productive member of the team rebuilding the training materials. Parts of the critique were taking under advisement when the rebuilding of the training materials was started.
Additionally, as I am part of the team rebuilding the training materials, this critique project has improved my approach to thinking about developing content and activities. I strive to bring in UDL principles when creating content, as the training materials will become an exemplar to those faculty members using them.
It is critically important to be mindful of the environment and learner when developing online training and teaching materials. Especially at the beginning of the course, it can be difficult to assess how successful learners have been in navigating and interacting with course components and materials. Following UDL principles, alongside other strategies, helps set learners up for success in an online learning environment.