Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a practical tool for guiding course design to ensure that every learner succeeds, based on scientific insights into how humans learn (cast.org).
As seen from the illustration below, there are three main principles of UDL, namely:
- multiple means of representations,
- multiple means of engagement, and
- multiple means of expressions
(image by Tianhong Shi, CC0)
There are many applications of UDL design principles in OSU Spring 2018 online courses.
A. Multiple Means of Representations as seen in BA 354 S18’s weekly content planning.
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- reading in text (Chapter 1 of Trevino and Nelson, Managing Business Ethics)
- listening to podcast (Ponzi Supernova podcast audio from Radio-lab
- watching instructor lectures in video (Course Introduction)
- Watching complicated assignment explained in video and graphics:
B. Multiple Means of Engagement as seen in BA 354’s discussion forums and assignment feedback:
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- Students submit Personal Ethical Action Plan Initial submission – Instructor provides feedback students incorporate feedback from instructor and submit final submission;
- Discussion forums: students post answers to prompts; students reply to peer classmates’ canvas discussion forum.
C. Multiple Means of Expressions as seen in BB 481/581 S18 and BA 354’s assignments:
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Graphic expression – Assignment #1: Create a three-dimensional image 
Audio/visual expression – Assignment #2: Create a video to explain what “reciprocal space” mean to you
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Textual expression – Assignment #3 & #4: Literature search & Quizzes & Discussions & write a letter to a relative to explain why the Fourier transform is so important to NMR spectroscopy 
Textual expression of application – Application type of project: Personal Ethical Action Plan
(Icons from SlidesCarnival’s Solanio template)
If you are interested in applying UDL in your courses, feel free to contact us at to brainstorm possible applications together.
