Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Institute

Location:

• In person, Room 104
• Virtually via Zoom 

Refreshments will be provided. 

Presenters: Carrie McCloy and Tasha Maddison (Saskatchewan Polytechnic) 

Location:

• In person, Room 104
• Virtually via Zoom

We will examine the intersection of universal design and Indigenous ways of knowing and being by integrating traditional Indigenous practices of coming to know, as well as western ways of conducting research.   

Presenter: Julie Maier (University of Saskatchewan)

Location: 

• In person, Room 128
• Virtually via Zoom

This session will examine current approaches to digital accessibility in Saskatchewan post-secondary education and highlight the differences between a reactive system based on accommodation and a proactive system building towards true accessibility. With a focus on the POUR (perceivable, operable, understandable and robust) principles, participants will look at some actionable approaches and available tools and resources to make digital learning materials and environments better for all learners. Maier will also touch upon strategies the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning at USask has used to strive towards greater accessibility, and some of the related challenges and opportunities that exist in our current provincial context. 

Presenters: Lisa Fanelli and Karrie L. Morin (Goodwin University)

Location:

• Virtually via Zoom

This presentation aims to unveil the approach of bringing Open Educational Resources (OER) and UDL principles together to increase student accessibility and discuss the implications for future course development.  In UDL and OER foundations, it is understood that the learner is not lacking the tools to perform, rather, the absence of accessibility to learning resources, as well as the delivery of content not being optimal and conducive to appreciate the variability in learning. Research is vast for UDL and OER frameworks individually; however, there is limited discussion incorporating both methodologies specific to (re)designing a course. The authors, both advanced teaching fellows in UDL, integrated UDL principles into a Leadership in Health course while simultaneously converting it into an OER course.  

Outcomes:

1. Recognize components of the OER process in your own curricular development.
2. Connect UDL principles to touchpoints in your courses.
3. Generate ideas for combining OER and UDL resources to enhance accessibility to all learners. 

Presenter: Adam Finkelstein (McGill University)

Location:

• In person, Room 128
• Virtually via Zoom

Students need to be actively engaged in order to create opportunities for meaningful, deep learning. This workshop will provide instructors with practical examples and scenarios on how to take advantage of the affordances provided by  physical or digital spaces to better support student learning. We will discuss ways to incorporate active learning spaces and different technology tools, including generative AI into both strategies and assessments. Throughout the workshop, there will be opportunities for attendees to experience and apply those strategies to improve current or future courses, allowing them to foster an inclusive environment for learning. 

Presenters: Jeni Dulek, Alyssa Phillips, Jenae Wadleigh, Michelle Gorenber (Pacific University)

Location:

• Virtually via Zoom

This presentation introduces the neuro-normative biases built into the higher education system, using the social model of disability to highlight how common teaching practices can disadvantage and distress neurodivergent learners. Presenters will guide participants to begin to unlearn neuro-normativity and will introduce universal design for learning and neurodiversity affirming pedagogy as practices that support the learning and mental health of neurodivergent students. 

Presenter: Adam Finkelstein (McGill University)

Location:

• In person, Room 104
• Virtually via Zoom 

While higher education can support active learning anywhere, where we learn has a significant impact on how we learn. In this session, we will explore what we know about how students learn and why inclusion is critical for student success, while keeping faculty and student wellness in mind. We will examine evidence on the impact that different environments can have on learning, and why space matters for all learning.