more on the universal design workshop

The second day of the workshop on Universal Design for Learning was more action-based than the first day. We watched a video of an interview with a CSU student with learning disabilities. Provided insight into how students with disabilities and their instructors can work together to provide a more productive learning environment that benefits everyone. We also got some background on universal design, which was originally applied to architecture, such as designing barrier-free buildings. And then we discussed how that metaphor applies to learning. Had an interesting presentation on digital textbooks, although in a previous session we'd learned that those textbooks often use proprietary software. The other issue is students generally have access to the textbooks for only 180 days, making it difficult to go back and review a section that might be applicable in a later class.

For me, the most useful part of yesterday's session was on developing accessible documents in word-processing software such as MS Word as well as Adobe Acrobat. We applied an accessibility rubric to a current syllabus, which clearly demonstrated to me that mine was lacking in several areas. We had some time yesterday, and more scheduled today, to get our syllabi up to standards. This is important information I'll take back to the faculty in my department.

This type of training is essential to any organization. Learning new ways of working may not directly impact the bottom line. That's why in tough fiscal times, organizations often cut their training and development programs. Yet these cuts are short-sighted, as in the long run, better trained employees benefit the organization with greater productivity and creativity, as well as generally being more engaged with the organization. The two workshops I've taken this winter session will make be a better teacher and colleague. They'll certainly help me adapt to the pervasive communication environment in which I'm enmeshed.

I'll comment on your blogs again before class ends tomorrow. . . .

--Prof Cyborg