On this page, you will find a compilation of links for that you can explore if you have time. These resources focus on the importance of designing accessible courses, including principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and provide practical tips for creating an inclusive learning environment. Unfortunately, we do not have time in this course to work in depth on these issues but they should be kept in mind when you design your course. Try to take a few moments to read the pages on KI's staff portals. At the bottom of the page there is a micro-lecture (15mins) on the five principles of inclusive design from Columbia University.

Make your course accessible for all

In today's diverse educational landscape, designing courses that are accessible to all learners is essential. Inclusion and accessibility go beyond simply meeting the needs of students with disabilities; it encompasses creating an environment where every individual, regardless of their background, abilities, or learning style, can engage fully in the learning process. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) offers a valuable framework for instructors to create inclusive courses that support all learners. By incorporating accessibility principles, such as providing multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement, educators can foster an environment that promotes equitable learning opportunities and empowers all students to succeed. This collection of links explores the significance of UDL, accessibility, and inclusive course design, providing resources and guidance to support instructors in this crucial aspect of fostering an inclusive learning environment.

What Design Strategies Support Neurodiverse Students?

The article from Arizona State University on Designing for Neurodiversity written by London Skiles includes five design strategies.

Apply UDL Strategies
Clear, Consistent Layout
Minimize Distractions
Chunk content into smaller sections
Clear and Concise Assignment Descriptions and Grading Criteria

KI will release further resources later in 2024 with more details on how to design courses to support executive functioning and UDL principles.

Inclusive Teaching for Equitable Learning

As educators, we can work to create inclusive environments with equitable learning opportunities to ensure that all students have the supports and resources necessary to succeed. This short video (2'59") is inspiration from an ACUE course but we hope it will inspire you too. You may want to refer to KI's Pedagogical policy which includes the practice psychologically safe learning environments.

Universal Design for Learning

Digital Accessibility and UDL

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework emphasizes the importance of creating a teaching approach that caters to the diverse needs and abilities of all learners. While accessibility accommodations address the specific needs of individual students, the three principles of the UDL framework aim at supporting teachers to identify and remove potential barriers to learning for all students.

Read about UDL on the Staff Portal

Universal Design for Learning Course

UDL: Introduction course from KI

This course will give you an understanding of what UDL is and provide a blueprint for how to design and implement simple changes in your teaching practice to make your courses more accessible to all students not just the average student. The course is structured around two modules. The third module will generate a certificate of completion.

Introduction to UDL 01 from KI

Accessibility

Enhancing accessibility in your Canvas course

Are you providing students with an accessible Canvas course? What should you think about when planning for your modules and pages in Canvas? What about the files your upload? Do you meet accessibility requirements? Join this course to find out how to make your Canvas course accessible to students and earn a badge in the process!

Enrol for Enhancing accessibility in your Canvas course

Accessibility

Accessible teaching

This guide is a support for you as a teacher to make teaching more accessible to all students at Karolinska Institutet. Adaptations that are necessary for a student with a disability usually benefit the entire study group and can also lead to pedagogical development.

Accessible teaching via KI's staff Portal

Five Principles for Inclusive Teaching and Learning

In this video (15 minutes) Dr Suzanna Klaf & Dr Amanda Irvin, Columbia University in the City Of New York, take you through the five principles for designing inclusive teaching and learning. From University of Kent's Digitally Enhanced Education webinars.

On this page