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Universal Design for Learning Institute

UDLi August 2024

The Universal Design for Learning Institute (UDLi) on Action & Expression will be held in a hybrid format (in-person and via Zoom), August 13-15, 2024. Participants will have the opportunity to work independently, in groups, and one-on-one with facilitators from the Accessible Dartmouth Initiative (ADI) to create a plan to support learners' expression, communication, and executive functioning in their courses.

 

UDL & ADI

The national organization CAST defines Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as "a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn."

ADI aims to help faculty integrate UDL into their courses to better meet the needs of all students, including neurodiverse students – those who learn differently due to ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc. – as well as first-generation college students, international students, English language learners, and students of other marginalized identities. 

 

Institute Details

To kick off the institute experience, there are approximately 2-4 hours of pre-work which introduces topics and gives participants and facilitators the chance to connect. Throughout the institute, participants will collaborate with colleagues and receive individualized guidance to reach their UDL goals. Participants who complete the institute are eligible to opt into the ADI course grant and receive a certificate of completion. 

This institute will focus on the UDL principle of Action & Expression, which prompts instructors to consider offering multiple ways for students to: 

  • interact with accessible materials and tools.
  • compose and share ideas using tools that help attain learning goals.
  • develop and act on plans to make the most out of learning.

The institute is designed for anyone teaching a course at Dartmouth. Faculty participants will be given priority, however we encourage other educators (i.e. staff, postdocs, and graduate teaching assistants) to apply.

UDLi Goals

During the institute, you will:

  • Design and develop 1 or more course interventions based on the Multiple Means of Actions & Expression principle of UDL.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to refine instructional practices and materials.
  • Prepare for the Accessible Dartmouth Initiative Course Grant application process and apply, if interested. (Note: Completion of the institute is part of grant requirements, therefore we highly encourage eligible participants to apply.)

Key dates

  • March 22, 2024 - Application open and reviewed regularly
  • Monday, August 5, 2024 at noon - Applications for the August 2024 institute are due
  • Tuesday, August 6, 2024 - Institute Canvas site available to participants with pre-work
  • August 13-15, 2024 - UDLi sessions in DCAL and on Zoom
    • 10am-2:30 pm EST with a lunch break from noon-1pm

 

Application Materials

UDLi Applications are due Monday, August 5, 2024 at noon. Preview the application (Create a Google Doc Copy) then submit your answers to the UDLi Application form. 

Thank you for your interest in UDLi. If you have any questions before applying, please contact dcal@dartmouth.edu.

We're looking forward to working with you.