Universal Design for Learning was a simple idea that grew into one that was big enough and flexible enough to benefit all learners!
For some pedagogists, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has created a revolution, due to its rapid application in schools and academic institutions of all types. UDL gives every student the opportunity to succeed by ensuring they have access to learning materials and by highlighting their learning outcomes.
UDL engages students by means of various information presentation techniques, described by Dr. Gihan Mohamad during a webinar organized by Naseej Academy. “Applying Universal Design for Learning Principles in Information Science” was held on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., Makkah local time (GMT+3).
After welcoming the attendees, Dr. Mohamad defined the concept of universal design, which was first used in architectural engineering. The idea and its applications were later introduced into teaching methodology through the use of caricature. Dr. Mohamad explained that conventional teaching methodologies create certain barriers between students and learning. The universal design approach, however, removes those barriers to enable learners to acquire the desired skills and knowledge and thereby boosts their achievements at school. Dr. Mohamad stated: “This approach seeks to change the way learners use the teaching and learning system. It also better accommodates students’ diversity, in addition to helping special needs students to be more engaged in their communities.”
The webinar placed a special focus on the importance of using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in libraries. For Dr. Mohamad, libraries play a key role in providing students with access to both conventional and electronic information resources. The principles of universal design can be used to make such resources available in a seamless fashion.
The audience of several hundred participants, consisting of elite instructors, researchers and academics from a range of learning, teaching and information disciplines, found the webinar highly engaging. The participants asked Dr. Mohamad questions about the training and resources needed to apply this approach successfully in both libraries and academic institutions. In her responses, the moderator mentioned relevant current case studies and encouraged discussion of them among the audience.
In concluding, Dr. Mohamad stressed the importance of librarians being equipped to identify relevant resources, and of teamwork and collaboration between librarians and faculty.
Webinar Key Themes:
- The principles of UDL and barriers to learning
- “Expert learner” vs. “expert educator”
- Using UDL principles in the design of formative and summative assessments
- Ways to incorporate technology into instruction to facilitate learning
- A traditional lesson plan vs. a lesson plan that follows UDL principles
- Helpful resources for instructional planning
About Dr. Gihan Mohamad
Dr. Mohamad has a doctorate in educational technology from New Jersey City University, NJ, USA, and a master’s degree in information science from Rutgers University, NJ. She is a professor at William Paterson University, in New Jersey, a library practitioner and an educator. Dr. Mohamad teaches technology, library management, instructional design, and cataloging to preservice librarians. Her research interests include collaborative instruction, technology integration, and diversity and inclusion in literature.
To watch the recorded webinar:
Naseej Academy is a not-for-profit initiative that serves as a platform for raising awareness of relevant challenges and technology advances in relation to digital transformation in the education and knowledge sectors in the Arab world through awareness activities and career development programs as part of Naseej’s commitment to supporting the knowledge community throughout the region.
Naseej Academy Webinar : “Applying Universal Design for Learning Principles in Information Science” was held on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., Makkah local time (GMT+3).
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