Research Initiatives
Universal Design for Instruction – Online Project
The UDI Online Project is a unique collaboration between the Center for Students with Disabilities and the Center on Postsecondary Education and Disability in the Neag School of Education. Prior work in Universal Design for Instruction (UDI) is expanded through this project by applying the nine Principles of UDI© to online and technology blended learning environments at the postsecondary level.
UDI is an approach to teaching that consists of a proactive design and use of inclusive instructional strategies that benefit a broad range of learners, including students with disabilities. The nine Principles of UDI© provide a framework for college faculty to use when designing or revising instruction to be responsive to diverse student learners and to minimize the need for accommodations and retrofitted changes to the learning environment. UDI operates on the premise that the planning and delivery of instruction, as well as the evaluation of learning can incorporate inclusive attributes that embrace diversity in learners without compromising academic standards.
The UDI Online Project focuses on the concept of "faculty as designer" and targets electronic teaching “e-tools” that faculty can implement in their courses without requiring the support of an instructional or web design team. The UDI e-Toolbox contains a range of e-tools and instructional modules that faculty can use in the planning, delivery, and assessment of student learning in online and technology blended courses.
The UDI e-Toolbox can be accessed at the Project web site, www.udi.uconn.edu. The UDI Online Project is funded through the U.S. Department of Education, PR/Award #P333A080053