JUSTICE INSTITUTE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
JIBC develops guide to Universal Design for Learning

A new open educational resource (OER) guidebook, developed by the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) is now available to help educators to apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to teaching, increasing the potential for student success.

Universal Design for Learning seeks to take into account the diversity of and the learning barriers faced by as many students as possible by offering multiple pathways to get to the same learning outcomes. By focusing course design on choice and flexibility in activities, UDL supports learner engagement and encourages students to become well-acquainted with their own strengths and weaknesses and adjusting their studies to suit them.

JIBC's Centre for Teaching, Learning & Innovation (CTLI) produced the book entitled, "A Comprehensive Guide to Applying Universal Design for Learning,"

with the help of an open education sustainability grant from BCcampus.

CTLI developed a series of UDL resources with the grant, including the guidebook and a three-part workshop series for faculty.

The guidebook, available free as part of the BCcampus Open Collection, provides a grounding in how to apply UDL principles in instructional design into everyday work as an educator, with examples, case studies and reflective questions. The guide is comprised of a collection of three UDL workbooks:

• Universal Design for Learning: A Practical Guide
• Universal Design for Learning: Strategies for Blended and Online Learning
• Assessment Design: Perspectives and Examples Informed by Universal Design for Learning

"By applying UDL, courses are designed to be accessible, breaking down barriers, meeting the needs of every learner by providing choice that helps individuals stay engaged and succeed," said Robert Walker, Director of JIBC's Centre for Teaching, Learning & Innovation.

"In addition, as an open educational resource with a Creative Commons licence, faculty can customize the materials, creating the perfect learning experience, and reducing costs for students."