This paper documents the process and outcomes of redesigning an online research methods module for taught postgraduate students using Universal Design for Learning (UDL). It also explores the effectiveness of UDL-informed design and practice to support the development of social, cognitive and teacher presence as defined under the Community of…

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a research-based educational framework developed almost 40 years ago by the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST). While the framework has been utilized by adult educators to design inclusive learning experiences that support "all" learners (CAST, n.d.), the framework has yet to be explored…

This article outlines the redesign of an undergraduate digital learning theories course, integrating scenario-based learning (SBL) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. The article incorporates scenario-based instruction using Articulate Rise 360, focusing on real-world challenges to enhance learner engagement and applicability. This…

This study contributes to a better understanding of instructors' perceptions of equity issues within online teaching and learning. The researchers conducted interviews with 21 instructors at one university across disciplines regarding their experience with, and recommendations for, attending to issues of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access…

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) contributed to over 20% of all bachelor's degrees earned by African American students. Since the 2019 pandemic, HBCUs have provided more online course offerings to their students. The continued success of HBCUs depends on their ability to grow with technology. This study examined the lived…

Inclusive education in Australia has resulted in a concerted push for the differentiation of pedagogical teaching approaches by educators across Kindergarten to Year 12 (K-12) learning environments. Such approaches have been shown to meet a diverse range of learner needs found in today's classrooms. While progress is evident at the primary and…

The digitalization of learning environments is changing the face of education. Learners from around the world have unprecedented access to online learning spaces in ways that were unthinkable even a few decades ago. Due to the growing diversity among digital learners, online learning spaces are becoming increasingly international and…

This study addresses the broader issue of designing inclusive and accessible online courses for post-secondary students. One approach that can be used to assist with such efforts is Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which is the guiding conceptual framework for this study. This conceptual framework emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility as…

Despite laws in the United States (e.g., Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its 2008 Amendments), students with various disabilities continue to experience access barriers to instructional content and inclusion in course activities. Online learning environments can present especially…

As diversity of student enrollment increases, postsecondary institutions must address the inclusiveness of physical and virtual learning environments. Doing so requires engaging faculty in a conversation about their online pedagogy and course design. This study employs Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a means for faculty to reflect on and…

This qualitative study explores what accessibility design can be most important to facilitate learning in an online course for postsecondary students with low vision. The study was conducted in a U.S. public university offering online courses in the Midwest. This study was guided by 2 research questions: (1) What accessibility design did students…

As online learners are increasingly diverse, making online learning more inclusive becomes an urgent need. Universal design has been perceived as a viable framework to reach the widest possible range of learners. However, applying universal design to online education has been a challenge to instructors due to different barriers. It is also unclear…

This qualitative study aims to improve accessibility and equity in digital spaces by identifying the prevalent mismatch between online course design, student culture, and its connection to instructional design for teacher preparation programs. Utilizing feminist theory, we explore the intersection between community, identity, and learning within…

In higher education, designing online courses aligned with students' preferences impacts learning effectiveness. Our research aimed to investigate which learning design elements can affect the quality of online learning. To achieve this, we followed a systematic literature review, identified current trends and conducted an online survey outlining…

This basic qualitative study explored how community college designers-by-assignment (faculty designers) make design decisions when designing online courses to ensure the course is inclusive to all learners. Although many online course designers are faculty designers, few are trained in instructional design models, inclusive design, instructional…