SOOC: Addressing Varied Learning Needs through Online Professional Learning and UDL

Abstract

The typical classroom does not exist - face to face or online. Learner variation is today's reality, in what our students need and consequently what teachers need, and it is primary to effective course design. Learner variability is based in neuroscience and supported by the concept of neuroplasticity, and should drive development of effective instructional design for today's diverse population of learners. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides a framework to vary curriculum and instruction by intentional design (National Center on UDL, 'What is Universal Design for Learning?'). Emerging from the concept of universal design (Center for Universal Design), and constructivist learning principles (Vygotsky), UDL addresses learner variation in designing goals, assessment, methods, and materials in all learning environments, online, blended, and face to face. The SOOC uses UDL as a primary framework to model and teach UDL principles, to apply UDL in the intentional use of digital applications (apps), and to address research-based weaknesses in the use of MOOCs in education.