Universal Design for Learning: Theory, Practice, and Innovation

EDU T560 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

Educators are typically equipped with technology, media, and materials that are "one size fits all" and that have been designed primarily for a narrow and illusive group of "regular" students. This course will explore an alternative approach--universal design for learning (UDL)--that creates curricula and learning environments that are designed to meet the needs of  a much wider range of student abilities and disabilities. The UDL framework takes advantage of advances in two fields: (1) the cognitive neuroscience of learning and individual differences and (2) the universal design of educational technologies and multimedia. This course will explore recent advances in both of these fields through readings, media, design workshops, and practical applications of UDL. We take a collaborative approach and work in teams to examine and design learning environments, curriculum, and technology.

Students are expected to attend one 90-minute class meeting a week and one 60-minute huddle a week. Students will need to be available for the course meeting time to enroll in this course. Final assignment of huddle meeting times will not happen as part of course enrollment in my.harvard.edu, but instead will be coordinated by the course teaching team.