Have you noticed the diverse learning needs of the students you teach each semester?
Do you struggle to cater for the variety of needs these students present you with?
Would you like to learn how, using UDL framework, you can easily redesign some elements of your teaching and learning practice to support these diverse learners more effectively?
If the answer is yes to any of the above, then you should consider taking the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (NFETLHE) digital badge on Universal Design in Teaching and Learning!
This digital badge was developed as part of NFETLHE’s Open Courses for Professional Development by AHEAD and UCD Access & Lifelong Learning. As part of UDL@MTU, a Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement 2020 (SATLE 2020) project funded by NFETLHE, this badge was delivered in Semester 1 2021/22 by a local group of MTU Facilitators. You may a be interested in browsing the UDL resources developed which stem from the SATLE 2020-funded UDL@MTU project for a flavour of the activities in which past badge participants have engaged.
The good news is that this badge has now been main-schemed and will be offered within MTU on an annual basis online via Canvas facilitated by Dr Marian Hurley. You can register now for the next rollout of the badge that will commence on Friday, 3rd February 2023 from 2-3pm.
If you would like to learn more about participating in the badge, you can view a short webinar delivered in May 2021 by former badge participants or indeed by reading answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.
What’s involved in earning the digital badge?
In total, the badge requires approximately 25 hours of learner effort consisting of the following five self-paced online modules:
- Introduction to Diversity and the UDL Framework
- Exploring Multiple Means of Engagement
- Exploring Multiple Means of Representation
- Exploring Multiple Means of Action & Expression
- Reflecting on Your Practice
What’s the badge delivery schedule?
The badge will be completed over 10 weeks which will involve:
- Week 1 – Introduction & Orientation - consisting of a live webinar/information session and completion of online module 1
- Weeks 2-3 – Examination of UDL Principles and Reflecting on Your Practice - consiting of the completion of online modules 2 to 5 followed by a deep self reflection activity
- Week 4 – Live online Peer Engagement Workshop
- Weeks 5-9 – Planning & Implementation of UDL - which will involve the development and implementation of a personal redesign activity with an optional weekly office drop-in for 1-hour each week
- Week 10 – Preparation and Submission of your Redesign Report
What’s in it for me?
Participation in this badge provides you with the opportunity to:
- Develop professionally by enhancing your teaching, sharing and discussing good practice and innovation with your peers, and engaging in continuous professional development.
- Earn national recognition for your commitment to your professional development supporting your lifelong learning and career mobility across the sector.
- Connect with like-minded peers from across MTU and join MTU’s UDL learning community.
What are the badge criteria?
This badge will give you an introduction to the concept of Universal Design for Learning and invite you to review and update your own Teaching and Learning practice.
By completing this badge, you will:
- Reflect on the Diversity of Students in MTU.
- Gain a good understanding of the Universal Design for Learning framework and how it can support diverse learners.
- Redesign some elements of your teaching and learning practice based on your knowledge of UDL principles.
- Consider how they will change your practice more broadly in line with a UDL approach.
How do I sign up?
This initiative is open to any staff member interested in learning more about UDL so if you would like to get involved register now for UDL Digital Badge - MTU-Wide Facilitated Rollout for Semester 2 2022/23 which commences on Friday 3rd February 2023, so we can advise you of how to enrol in the associated Canvas module, dates and time of online webinars/workshops, etc.
Where can I get further information?
The UDL@MTU project team are happy to answer any queries you may have, so please feel free to contact us by email (udl@mtu.ie).