Digital Badge in Universal Design for Learning

Implementation of Universal Design principles in Learning and Teaching promotes inclusivity and equity while also ‘future-proofing’ your teaching. As our classrooms and lecture theatres become increasingly diverse, our practices must also adapt to reflect the changing landscape of higher education.  Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a research-based curriculum design approach that recognises and accommodates the tremendous variability and diversity of learners. This CPD course 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. 

Please note, the Digital Badge in Universal Design for Learning was redeveloped in 2023. The content of the badge is now UCC specific, with colleagues from across UCC contributing their experience of implementing Universal Design for Learning within their practice.

Participants in this blended programme will earn a digital badge. The online component of the Digital Badge involves engaging with a 7-hour (approx.) online learning resource. Participants must also attend a workshop in person on UCC campus. Finally, participants must complete a redesign activity where you will select a teaching/training activity (e.g. lecture/training session/assignment), evaluate it, and redesign some elements of it using UDL principles you’ve learned about. You will then report on the process in the form of a brief case study.  

In total, the Digital Badge requires approx. 25 hours of learner effort. Please note you must complete all three aspects described above (online content, workshop, and redesign activity) to obtain the Digital Badge.  

Audience

This badge is aimed at academic staff and any other higher education staff members who have a teaching remit e.g. those who deliver teaching/training programmes for staff and students. Again, please note you must be able complete all three aspects described as per the above instruction to obtain the Digital Badge.

Facilitators

This staff professional development activity will be facilitated by CIRTL's Dr Katy Dineen and Dr Laura Lee and DSS Advisor for Inclusive Learning & Teaching and CIRTL Fellow, Dr Brian Butler.

Badge registration

The badge runs once per semester and registration will be advertised again via staff email in Semester 1 24/25

Any queries should be directed to course facilitators Dr Brian Butler b.butler@ucc.ie or Dr Katy Dineen katy.dineen@ucc.ie