Micro-Credential in Universal Design for Learning

Incorporating National Forum Digital Badge

Overview

Universal Design (UD) is a design approach that considers the needs of all users from the outset, aiming to ensure equal or equivalent access and usability. Similarly, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a teaching approach that promotes fair and flexible learning experiences, enabling all students to participate and succeed. UDL guidelines can be applied in any discipline to ensure that all learners can access and participate in learning in a meaningful way, and are underpinned by three principles:

Multiple means of representation that give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge
Multiple means of expression that provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know
Multiple means of engagement that tap into learners' interests, challenge them appropriately, and motivate them to learn.

This micro-credential invites participants to reflect on the diversity of students at TU Dublin and to redesign an aspect of their practice using Universal Design (UD) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to enhance student engagement and experience.

The aims of this micro-credential are to:

Support educators to reflect upon the diversity of students, and to consider how their own actions can help to drive successful UDL implementation within the institution.
Provide educators with the knowledge and skills to apply universal design and universal design for learning principles to a redesigned element of their practice.
Critically assess designs, regulations, legislation and standards for their adherence to the principles and philosophy of universal design.
Explore how Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) can enhance UDL implementation by offering flexible, personalised support for diverse learners.
Deepen educators’ understanding of UDL through peer engagement and group discussion.

Details

5 ECTS credits; 15 hours of class time plus peer engagement and independent learning; typically delivered mostly online with the possibility of some in-person sessions.

Upon successful completion of this micro-credential, participants will also be eligible for the Digital Badge in Universal Design in Teaching and Learning awarded by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

Entry Requirements

Participants must be working in TU Dublin. Participants must have an NFQ Level 8 (or higher) qualification or complete a Recognition of Prior Learning process to demonstrate their capacity to participate in this micro-credential.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module the participant will be able to:

Explain the philosophy and principles of Universal Design for Learning and analyse how they relate to educational standards, regulations, and guidelines.
Apply Universal Design and Universal Design for Learning principles to redesign an aspect of their professional practice to improve accessibility and inclusion.
Critically reflect on the diversity of students within their professional context and identify opportunities to enhance access, inclusion, and participation.
Evaluate the potential of Generative AI tools to support inclusive and flexible approaches to student engagement and support.
Collaborate with colleagues to develop and exchange strategies for embedding UDL principles across diverse university roles and responsibilities.

Assessment

Participants will select and critically redesign an educational or training activity from their own practice using Universal Design for Learning principles, with the aim of enhancing accessibility, flexibility, and learner engagement. The redesign will be accompanied by a critical reflection that explains the rationale for their design choices. The critical reflection can be submitted as a written 800–1200-word report or 5-10 min video.

Indicative Syllabus

Introduction to Universal Design and UDL Principles

Origins and philosophy of Universal Design (UD) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to promote equity, flexibility, and inclusion in higher education.

Learner Diversity and Barriers to Participation

Diverse student needs and common barriers to access, engagement, and success across roles.

Core Universal Design for Learning Principles: Representation, Expression, and Engagement

Multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement with practical strategies for inclusive educational and professional approaches.

Redesigning Practice with UDL and Generative AI

Integration of UDL principles in activity or process redesign, including potential of Generative AI to support personalisation, flexibility, and accessibility.

Collaborative Reflection and Institutional Implementation

Peer discussion and collaborative reflection to share insights, challenges, and strategies for embedding UDL across the institution, and consider how individual actions can support broader cultural change.