Universal Design for Online Learning - Pot of Gold

As discussed in previous posts, people have a variety of preferences when it comes to learning. Some prefer content that is highly visual, some prefer to listen, and some learn better when they are active in the process and get hands on practice. Because of this, it is essential to develop instruction that meets the needs of most people's learning preferences. In the 1990s, the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) developed principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to assist instructors in "designing curricula—that is, educational goals, methods, materials, and assessments—that enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning"

(Center for Applied Special Technology, 2013).

A couple of weeks ago, I took the University of Notre Dame Hesburgh Libraries "Pot of Gold" tutorial. This information literacy tutorial is aimed at first year students at Notre Dame and attempts to introduce students to the skills they will need in order to access, evaluate, and utilize information they find through the library's website. While I initially visited the tutorial with the goal of evaluating how effective their instruction was, I am revisiting it today to examine whether or not it fits within the principles of Universal Design.

The first principle of Universal Design for Learning is to "Provide Multiple Means of Representation". According to this principle, instruction should include a multitude of ways in which learners can perceive and comprehend information. The Pot of Gold tutorial excels in this regard by including various media through which instruction is presented (videos, pictures, and text). In addition, library terms are defined and can be easily understood by students new to using a library for research. Finally, the Pot of Gold tutorial bridges concepts with relevant analogies and metaphors. An example of this is the analogy they use when describing the process of identifying your research topic. Students should chose a topic much like how they chose someone to date. Just as you wouldn't chose to spend your time with someone who is dull and boring, you shouldn't chose a topic that is of no interest to you. Don't waste your time with a dud. Chose a topic that interests you!

The second principle of Universal Design is to "Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression". This principle states that because students differ in the ways that they are engaged and motivated to learn, one must provide a variety of activities and means for expression. The tutorial provides ways for students to easily navigate the instruction session by following the set progression of modules or skipping around to a topic of interest (physical action). Goals and objectives are clearly stated at the start of the tutorial so students know what to expect to have learned by the end. Expression and communication are exhibited in the ways that students can leave feedback regarding the effectiveness of the tutorial or suggestions to improve instruction.

The third principle of Universal Design is to "Provide Multiple Means of Engagement". The Pot of Gold tutorial does this by engaging learners in quizzes and thoughtful activities and by promoting the tutorial on the library's website to gain the attention of students who may need more guidance. Information presented in the tutorial is done so in a way that is friendly and approachable so that even the most timid or anxious of library users will feel comfortable. The school's mascot, a leprechaun, appears through the tutorial giving students a sense of pride.

Utilizing Universal Design principles while developing instruction will ensure that you have covered all of your bases in terms of making the instruction relevant, accessible, and approachable. This is especially important when designing online instruction. Since you will not be there in the physical space guiding students through the process, there is no way to know whether or not your students needs are being met or if they are getting anything from the session. By not following UL principles in developing online instruction, you run the risk of students becoming bored with lessons that are not relevant to their needs. They may be intimidated by unfamiliar terms that are not clearly defined, leaving them to feel stupid and lost. Finally, if there are no checkpoints where students can periodically test their newly acquired knowledge and receive feedback, they may not know if the instruction even made a difference.

Since there are so many ways in which people prefer to learn, it is helpful to have these Universal Design principles handy during the process of developing instruction. By following these guidelines, you will have the most impact on a greater number of students.


Bibliography

Center for Applied Special Technology. (n.d.). About UDL. Retrieved November 17, 2013, from CAST: http://cast.org/udl/faq/index.html

University of Notre Dame Hesburgh Libraries. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2013, from Pot of Gold Information Literacy Tutorial: http://library.nd.edu/instruction/potofgold/