Orla Skehill (Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

Author: Orla Skehill, Learning Technologist, Teaching and Learning Office, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.

Contact Details: orla.skehill@gmit.ie

Theme: Authentic Student Experience: Showcasing UDL Teaching Approaches

Title of Poster: Maximising value, Minimising distraction - Applying UDL to an Online Workshop.

Abstract: Using UDL principles to steer the redesign of an online H5P design workshop, targeted at higher education staff, this project set out to understand the prospective learner and their needs in advance of the event. Armed with this knowledge the workshop intended to provide a customised and dynamic learning environment where learners could engage with appropriately pitched design-based learning. There were two primary goals for the redesign; Maximise learner value for all abilities and provide a singular online learning space.

UDL helped put a learner focused shape on these goals. Using the CAST UDL guidelines like an a la carte menu, cherry picked checkpoints ensured the singular learning space would provide a means to enhance engagement by minimizing distractions, particularly important in an online context, and help foster a learning community. To offer value for all abilities the checkpoints selected focused on sparking curiosity through customised learning, relevance through a bespoke set of examples and offering choice via a scaffolded approach to workshop design tasks.

Trade-offs were made to realise this new design in terms of attendance limits and upfront technical effort from the facilitator. The upshot was the immediate shift in commitment and engagement from all the attendees. Full attendance, free flowing interaction, observable skills development, and positive feedback post event could be directly attributed to the implementation of several of the specific UDL suggestions.

An evolving project, the workshop continues to re-assess its ability to deliver on the learning objectives and expectations of the diverse learning cohort who attend. UDL remains central to the informing and steering of design decisions.