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Universal Design for Learning
Welcome to the Universal Design for Learning Certificate!

A Welcome Message

Three concentric circles that contain keywords for the course. The centre circle is white and reads “Learners.” This is surrounded by a circle that contains labels for the three UDL principles with their matching colours: “Representation” with a purple background, “Action & Expression” with a blue background, and “Engagement” with a green background. These labels are arranged around the circle and appear to cycle one into the other. The ring around these UDL principles contains labels for other frameworks that can partner with UDL From top centre and moving clockwise, these read: “Accessibility,” “Anti-oppression,” “Intersectionality,” “Critical digital pedagogy,” and “Anti-racism.” On the outside of this ring are three other words. These read (clockwise from top right): “Future Vision,” “Decolonize Curriculum,” and “Community.”
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You are about to embark on a learning journey that focuses on the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework and expands its current application to address the impacts and intersectionalityOpens in a new window of oppressionsOpens in a new window that our learners may experience as barriers to reaching their full learning potential. These barriers may include anti-Black racismOpens in a new window, anti-Indigenous racismOpens in a new window, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, ableism, etc. In this course, you will explore the UDL framework and examine its intersections with complementary initiatives such as antiracismOpens in a new window, decolonizationOpens in a new window, the social modelOpens in a new window of disability, and others. Together, we will reflect on how the UDL framework offers opportunities to co-design inclusiveOpens in a new window learning environments with our students and colleagues. Then we will apply what we learn to our work in education. By honouring our students’ lived experiencesOpens in a new window and unique strengths and challenges, we work towards creating welcoming learning environments where all students belong and thrive.

Course Outcomes

When you complete this certificate course, you will be able to: 

  1. Examine the ways that the UDL, anti-oppressive practiceOpens in a new window (AOP), antiracismOpens in a new window, and decolonizationOpens in a new window frameworks support learners.
  2. Assess perceptions about student motivation, social inclusionOpens in a new window, barriers to learning, assessment, and expert learners.
  3. Construct flexible teaching and learning environments that honour learner variabilityOpens in a new window, diversityOpens in a new window, and lived experienceOpens in a new window.
  4. Reflect on ongoing practice and discovery within a learning community context guided by key elements and principles of UDL.
  5. Explore the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in creating shared learning environments (informed by UDL, AOPOpens in a new window, antiracism, and decolonization).
Next section →A Land Acknowledgement