Presenting UDL-AlignED Content
Facilitating Inclusive Learning
Presenting and facilitating learning experiences in inclusive and accessible ways is an important part of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Thoughtful facilitation strategies can help support learner engagement, participation, collaboration, and access across a variety of learning environments.
The way instruction is delivered can influence how learners participate, process information, interact with others, and remain engaged throughout a learning experience.
This section explores practical strategies and considerations for presenting and facilitating inclusive learning experiences in both in-person and online environments.
Presentation Methods
Presenting information in different ways can help support learner understanding, engagement, and participation. Learners vary in how they access information, process ideas, and remain engaged throughout learning experiences.
Using a variety of teaching methods can help create more flexible and inclusive learning environments.
Examples
- Combine short lectures with discussion or reflection activities
- Incorporate demonstrations, case studies, or hands-on learning
- Use visuals such as diagrams, charts, or annotated examples
- Include active learning strategies such as think-pair-share or polling
Additional Considerations
- Avoid overcrowded slides or excessive text
- Emphasize key ideas and learning outcomes
- Pause regularly to check understanding
- Verbally explain visuals, charts, or diagrams
Engagement and Collaboration
Inclusive learning environments encourage learners to actively participate, collaborate, and learn from one another.
Opportunities for interaction and collaboration can help learners engage more meaningfully with course content while supporting community and belonging.
Examples
- Use small group discussions
- Incorporate collaborative problem-solving activities
- Include peer review or peer teaching
- Use shared annotation or brainstorming activities
- Connect learning to real-world examples and applied activities
Additional Considerations
Regular feedback and opportunities for check-ins can help support learner confidence and progress. Feedback may occur through:
- Class discussions
- Polls or reflection activities
- Online discussion boards
- Individual meetings
- Collaborative activities
Flexibility and Inclusive Practices
Learners may participate, engage, and demonstrate understanding in different ways. Providing flexibility where appropriate can help support learner access and participation while maintaining meaningful learning goals.
Examples
- Offer multiple ways to participate during learning activities
- Incorporate written, verbal, visual, or collaborative responses
- Use culturally responsive examples and perspectives
- Ensure materials are accessible and compatible with assistive technologies
Additional Considerations
- Provide clear instructions and expectations
- Create opportunities for learner choice and contribution
- Work collaboratively with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) when accommodations are required
Delivering Inclusive Learning Online
Online learning environments can present unique challenges related to communication, accessibility, engagement, and participation.
Thoughtful organization and facilitation strategies can help support learner access and engagement in virtual learning environments.
Examples
- Use breakout discussions or collaborative documents
- Incorporate polls, chat prompts, or annotation activities
- Provide asynchronous participation opportunities
- Caption videos and recordings
- Organize content consistently within the course site
Additional Considerations
- Use accessible digital tools and platforms
- Provide transcripts or captions where appropriate
- Communicate timelines and expectations clearly
- Record sessions when appropriate and feasible
Continue Exploring the UDL Resource Centre!
Now that you have explored strategies for facilitating inclusive learning experiences, continue to the final section to learn how you can design more meaningful assessments!
LEARN MORE ABOUT ASSESSMENT DESIGN