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Certificate in Universal Design for Learning
The Certificate for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides instructors with the knowledge and skills to apply UDL principles in their own teaching practices. UDL is a framework that centres the needs of students to create more equitable and inclusive learning environments. The UDL programming offered by the CTL also explores how UDL aligns with and can be enhanced by other equity-focused frameworks, providing a more holistic approach to inclusive teaching. The design of this certificate program embodies the key principles of UDL, allowing participants to set their own goals and choose a flexible path through the curriculum that aligns with these goals.
To access the OWL Brightspace site where the asynchronous materials and assignments are, follow this link to the UDL Course Site and select "Enroll in Course" to begin.
Outcomes
- Examine the ways that the UDL, anti-oppressive practice (AOP), antiracism, and decolonization frameworks support learners.
- Assess perceptions about student motivation, social inclusion, barriers to learning, assessment, and expert learners.
- Construct flexible teaching and learning environments that honour learner variability, diversity, and lived experience.
- Reflect on ongoing practice and discovery within a learning community context guided by key elements and principles of UDL.
- Explore the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in creating shared learning environments.
- Navigate the resources and tool available to Western instructors for implementing UDL principles in your own teaching contexts.
Completing the Certificate
To receive the certificate, you must:
- Attend all 4 workshops in the UDL series:
- Introduction to Universal Design for Learning
- Multiple Means of Engagement
- Multiple Means of Representation
- Multiple Means of Action & Expression
- Submit a Reflection on Practice in the UDL OWL Site following each workshop
- Complete a Final Capstone project
- This is an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills developed through the certificate to your own problem of practice. More details on the capstone can be found in the UDL OWL Site. You will receive facilitator feedback on your project submission.
The program components can be completed over any time frame. Participants should attend the Introduction to UDL workshop first and complete the capstone last, but the three other workshops can be completed in any order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to register for the Certificate in Universal Design for Learning?
Faculty, instructors, librarians, archivists, and staff are all eligible to register in the certificate program or to sign up for individual modules or workshops. Graduate students are not eligible for this certificate; however, they are invited to participate in the UDL Future Prof Series workshops which can be applied to their Western Certificate in University Teaching and Learning.
How long does it take to complete the Certificate?
The full suite of program components can be completed over any timeframe. However, you are welcome to complete the workshops without committing to the full certificate.
Do I need to complete the Certificate components in a specific order?
You may complete the required workshops in any order, whenever it is most convenient for you. However, we recommend starting with the Introduction as it does lay the foundation for the subsequent workshops. The capstone is an opportunity to apply concepts learned throughout the program and should be done after all workshops have been completed.
Who keeps track of my progress towards the Certificate?
It is your responsibility to keep track of the program components you have completed. There is a tracking tool available in the OWL site to help you track your progress.
How do I register for the Certificate?
You do not need to register for the certificate in advance. Once you’ve successfully completed all of the components and submitted your Capstone Project, you will automatically be awarded a certificate.
How do I submit the Reflections on Practice and the Capstone Project?
To access the OWL Brightspace site where the asynchronous materials and assignments are, follow this link to the UDL Course Site and select "Enroll in Course" to begin.