Universal Design for Learning is a process of making course concepts accessible and skills attainable regardless of learning style, physical or sensory abilities.
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Best Practices and Case Stories for Universal Design for Learning
Many of your fellow SF State faculty members are already practicing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) concepts in their courses. Read more below and see how easy it is to begin implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in your courses today!
MERLOT Video Case Stories
The Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (MERLOT) ELIXR project is intended to foster and develop new collaborations amongst faculty development centers and online resource repositories. Through its unique collection of discipline-oriented resources, Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (MERLOT) ELIXR functions as a treasury of best teaching practices, supporting and inspiring faculty with examples of innovative and creative teaching and learning experiences.
As an affiliated institute of the Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (MERLOT) ELIXR project, SF State has produced several digital case stories about Universal Design for Learning and how specific faculty have implemented it for their classes. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a best teaching practice that not only addresses physical accessibility in the classroom, but also emphasizes learning accessibility through its focus on multiple means of representation, engagement and expression.
Neil Lindeman's Case Story on UDL
Neil Lindeman, Technical and Professional Writing
In this case story, Neil demonstrates how he implements multiple course delivery methods and creates opportunities for class engagement. Neil's use of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) techniques helps his students learn more successfully and makes the teaching more fun and rewarding for everyone.
Paul Beckman's Case Story on UDL
Paul Beckman, Information Systems
Paul implemented Universal Design for Learning (UDL) concepts with the goal of increasing successful learning among his students. His case story specifically addresses his use of small-group discussions, guided notes, and online multimedia resources in his classes, and how these techniques enhanced his students' learning.
Karen Grove's Case Story on JiTT
Karen Grove, Geosciences
Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT) is a teaching method that encourages students to prepare for class "just in time" by assigning online activities related to the upcoming lecture topic. Karen demonstrates how she uses Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT) in her "Introduction to Geology" class and explains how the students have responded to this teaching method.
David Bao's Case Story on UDL
David Bao, Professor and Chair of Mathematics
Dr. David Bao, Professor and Chair of Mathematics, teaches Elementary Statistics (Math 124), a large General Education (GE) class. Due to its size and nature, the class can be challenging in terms of student learning styles, enrollment motivation and class management. To encourage student engagement and understanding, Dr. Bao implemented the "What-Why-How" paradigm when designing the class, asking himself: what do the students need to know, how can I best explain why they should know it, and how can I accurately assess their learning? In this case story, Dr. Bao demonstrates several Universal Design for Learning (UDL) based methods he used to reach these goals: online homework assignments, the Zeus or Scantron form, and a detailed course reader.
Explore the Center... Site Features and Highlights
The Center publishes a monthly newsletter highlighting a number of topics of interest to faculty of SF State.
Make your course concepts accessible for all your students. Find out how easy it is to implement UDL in all of your courses with these resources.
A veritable smorgasbord of easily digestible and healthy ideas for the busy faculty member ... all delivered to your door!
The Center sponsors a number of workshops, events, and brown bag sessions every month open to all SF State faculty members.
