THE FUTURE IS HERE
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Conference ATU Sligo May 26 This year ATU Sligo were delighted to be able to host the UDL conference in person. The conference explored the ‘Student Voice’ and their perspectives of UDL. Presenters included staff and students. Attendees left feeling energised and ready to implement UDL into curricula to support ATU’s 20,000 plus students. The attendees considered many approaches to UDL. through an exploration of shared best inclusive practice. Through creating an awareness of a cross-campus approach to implementing a culture of inclusion and diversity, ATU has made significant strides in climbing the UDL ladder to bring this vision to reality.
Minister Simon Harris speaking at the UDL conference, about how inclusion initiatives like UDL benefits everyone.
The teaching and learning framework that is UDL has guided this transition to provide a high-quality educational experience to all its students. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris launched the conference, praising ATU for leading the way in Ireland on UDL. UDL is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn, including students with disabilities. It aims to improve the educational experience of all students by introducing more flexible methods of teaching, assessment and service provision to cater for the diversity
of learners in our classrooms. This approach is underpinned by research in the field of neuroscience and is designed to improve the learning experience and outcomes for all students.
Pictured at the UDL conference, left to right, Professor Jacqueline McCormack, ATU Vice President for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Online Development, Dr Niamh Plunkett, Head of Teaching and Learning, ATU Sligo, Minister Simon Harris and Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President.
I’m delighted this conference is going to specifically consider the student voice and their perspective of UDL. We are about making sure we embed UDL so that every student can reach their best potential. I want to commend everyone here at ATU Sligo for the substantial progress you have already made when it comes to UDL, for the highquality education experience you are providing to students and making education more accessible for a much wider range of learners. You are leading the way here in Sligo when it comes to UDL. ”
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris.
UDL Conference Themes • Engagement: Recruiting and keeping interest.
• Delivery: Showcasing UDL teaching approaches to delivery in the face to face and on-line classroom.
• Materials: Adopting a UDL classroom with accessible materials for all learner types.
• Assessment: Adopting alternative assessment practices through a UDL lens.
The UDL Conference keynote speaker was Dr Seán Bracken (pictured above), Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Principal Lecturer at the University of Worcester. June 2022 Issue Two
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