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Online course: Universal Design for Learning (October 2025)
Implementation of universal design principles in Teaching & Learning promotes inclusivity and equity while also ‘futureproofing’ your teaching.
As our classrooms and lecture theatres become increasingly diverse, our practices must also adapt to reflect the changing landscape of higher education. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework based on research in the learning sciences, including cognitive neuroscience, which guides the development of flexible learning environments that can accommodate individual learning differences and cater for the wide range of diversity in our lecture rooms. This CPD course will give you an introduction to the concept of Universal Design for Learning and invite you to review and update your own Teaching and Learning practice.
This Badge is sibling to the Digital Badge for Universal Design Beyond the Classroom. Not sure which Badge is for you? Complete this quick quiz to help your decision.”
Course Schedule
The links to join the online webinars and the slides for each can be found on the online course platform.
| Week | Date | Time | Topic | Facilitator |
| Week 1
(w/c 06/10/2025) |
06/10/25 | 13:00 – 14:00 | Webinar – Orientation | AHEAD & UCD |
| Week 1 | Anytime | N/A | Module 1 eLearning | N/A |
| Week 1 | TBC | TBC | Welcome Session | Peer Group Facilitator |
| Week 2
(w/c 13/10/2025) |
Anytime | N/A | Module 2 eLearning | N/A |
| Week 2 | TBC | TBC | 1st Peer Group Meeting | Peer Group Facilitator |
| Week 3
(w/c 20/10/2025) |
Anytime | N/A | Module 3 eLearning | N/A |
| Week 3 | 23/10/25 | 13:00 – 14:00 | Webinar – Introducing the Redesign Activity | AHEAD & UCD |
| Week 4
(w/c 27/10/2025) |
Anytime | N/A | Module 4 eLearning | N/A |
| Week 4 | TBC | TBC | 2nd Peer Group Meeting | Peer Group |
| Week 5
(w/c 03/11/2025) |
Anytime | N/A | Module 5 eLearning | N/A |
| Week 5 | TBC | TBC | 3rd Peer Group Meeting | Peer Group |
| Week 6
(w/c 10/11/2025) |
Continuing | N/A | Redesign Activity Work Ongoing | N/A |
| Week 6 onwards | TBC | TBC | Weekly drop-ins with Peer Group Facilitator – confirm time with them | Peer Group Facilitator |
| Week 7
(w/c 17/11/2025) |
Continuing | N/A | Redesign Activity Work Ongoing | N/A |
| Week 8
(w/c 24/11/2025) |
Continuing | N/A | Redesign Activity Work Ongoing | N/A |
| Week 9
(w/c 01/12/2025) |
Continuing | N/A | Redesign Activity Work Ongoing | N/A |
| Week 10
(w/c 08/12/2025) |
08/12/25 | 13:00 – 14:00 | Webinar 3 – Redesign Submission Questions and Facilitator Badge Information | AHEAD & UCD |
| Week 10 | TBC | TBC | Final Peer Group Meeting | Peer Group Facilitator |
| Submission Date | 12/12/25 | 23:59 | Submission of Redesign activity and Peer Verification Form | N/A |
w/c = week commencing
TBC = to be confirmed
N/A = Not applicable
Please note that all three online webinars will be recorded and made available for viewing afterwards.
Learning Outcomes
- Reflect on the Diversity of Students in your Institution;
- Gain a good understanding of the Universal Design for Learning framework and how it can support diverse learners;
- Deepen your understanding of UDL through peer engagement;
- Redesign some elements of your teaching and learning practice based on your knowledge of UDL principles;
- Consider how you will change your practice more broadly in line with a UDL approach.
Learning Activities
| Activity | Per week | Ten Weeks |
| Live Webinar | 60 min | 3 hours |
| Peer Group meeting | 30-60 min | 1.5-3 hours |
| Independent learning | N/A | 7 hours |
| Redesign Activity | N/A | 12 hours |
| Total | N/A | 25 hours |
Content
| Indicative content | Facilitator/Guest speaker |
| Introduction to UDL
Multiple Means of Engagement Multiple Means of Representation Multiple Means of Action & Expression Reflecting on Your Practice |
AHEAD & UCD |
| Facilitator’s Badge | Dr Lisa Padden, UCD
Purpose: Develop capacity for delivery of Digital Badge by institution staff for institution staff |
Registration
For more information, please contact UDBeyond@ahead.ie, or our eLearning and Digital Media Officer Danielle O’Rourke – danielle.orourke@ahead.ie