We recognize that quality course design is instrumental toward supporting student success. That is, when an online learning environment is well designed, everyone achieves more, learns more, and is more equitably represented.
This course was designed to support you in designing effective and accessible online learning environments specifically using the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in the context of contemporary learning management systems.
For the purpose of this course, we will use Canvas as the most popular LMS for examples, but will also provide links for "how to's" for the other top 2 LMSs (Moodle and Schoology). If you don’t use one of these four LMSs, it’s okay! The principles we advocate here are practicable in all modern LMSs. If you would like custom training and support for a specific LMS, please just let us know!
Explain basic theory (why, what, how) of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as pertains to online course design.
Use UDL principles and practices to design and develop highly effective online learning experiences including both asynchronous (e.g., Canvas) and synchronous (e.g., Zoom) aspects.
Apply concepts of UDL design and delivery in synchronous, virtual learning experiences.
Tom Thibodeau is the co-author of “UDL in the Cloud” with Dr. Katie Novak and currently oversees and provides online professional development courses. He was an assistant provost at the New England Institute of Technology in East Greenwich, RI for 18 years until his retirement in 2020. As assistant provost, he served as the division chair for seven academic departments with 18 degree programs (AS, BS, MS and PPD) and over 1,200 students. He also led faculty development, outcomes assessment and attendance tracking through a team-based approach.
As facilitator of new faculty orientation, Thibodeau stressed the use of UDL, active learning, problem-based learning and technology-enhanced teaching and learning. He managed development of NEIT’s first online degree program in Information Technology in 1998 and implemented a new curriculum mapping process.
He has been involved in online education since 1996 and has seen, firsthand, the impact that positive planning and design can have on student engagement, especially when these are designed to meet the needs of all learners.
Our standard and group pricing covers your course registration with Novak Educational Consulting, Inc. only. You may also choose to purchase graduate credits and/or clock hours (for Washington State teachers) at the time of registration. For questions regarding pricing or to request a purchase order, contact us.
You will receive a completion certificate from Novak Education at the conclusion of the course. Please check in with your school or district to determine if this alone will be sufficient for salary points or advancement. Some states require additional proof of completion such as clock hours, contact hours, or credits. Graduate credits (3 continuing education credits) may be obtained through our university partners. Please check with your school or district to ensure these will satisfy their requirements prior to enrolling. Learn more about our graduate partners: Gordon College and Teachers College of San Joaquin.
Copyright © 2020, Novak Educational Consulting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.