TLS 555 - Universal Design for Learning (UDL) meets User Experience (UX)

This course introduces the fundamental principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) by preparing students for further study in accessibility and inclusive design for virtual learning environments through the lens of the user experience (UX). Students will learn about the UDL framework of optimizing teaching and learning for all coupled with UX principles of making interactions usable, enjoyable, and accessible. Through UDL and UX, students will analyze how people learn in technology-enhanced environments, outline how the design of technology-enhanced systems support or undermine learning, and considers critical issues for instructors, designers, and learners in the digital age. Students will explore digital pedagogy through the role of the instructor, the designer, the learner and in the structure of a virtual learning environment. The effective practices to increase inclusion and avoid some of the common accessibility issues that can arise in virtual environments will be addressed. This course provides the opportunity to explore issues that are impacting 21st century education and pedagogy due to the disruptive force of technology. Students work on creative activities to represent key course ideas, as well as author a final Case Study paper documenting their field work experience.