Creating inclusive university curriculum: Implementing universal design for learning in an enabling program. (20th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dinmore, Stuart; Stokes, Jennifer
• Is Part Of: Widening participation and lifelong learning. Volume 17:Number 4(2015)
• Page Start: 4
• Page End: 19
• Publication Date: 2015-12-20
• Subjects: Adult education -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Adult education -- Periodicals; Continuing education -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Continuing education -- Periodicals; 374.005
• DOI: 10.5456/WPLL.17.4.4
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-6529

Abstract

Widening university participation encourages reflective practitioners to explore curriculum and look for innovative pedagogies that better support students. This paper outlines a pilot project to implement universal design for learning (UDL) in a core course as part of an enabling program at an Australian university. UDL is a process of curriculum development that aims to level the playing field for students by providing multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement (CAST, 2011). From the pilot, it emerged that a team-based approach in combination with the effective use of technology-enhanced learning is essential for successful implementation of UDL. This approach highlights one possible direction for university enabling programs that seek to balance the competing demands of offering an inclusive curriculum to a diverse student cohort within a technology-rich environment.