Check: How inclusive is your course design?

Target audience:
All instructors, no matter how experienced, are invited to participate.

Contents:
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a concept developed by Anne Mayer, David Rose, and others at the Center for Applied Special Technology. Based on findings from teaching and learning research, it was designed with the goal of creating learning environments for students that are accessable to everyone (in all their diversity) and provide them with the best possible learning experiences. UDL helps instructors identify and remove barriers for students. As a participant, you will learn about the three focus points of UDL, which can be summarized as Why, What, and How. They will also explore suggestions for the inclusive design of self-directed learning activities and integrate UDL principles into their course designs.

Learning objectives:

• Instructors will understand the concept of UDL and the three components: Why, What and How
• Instructors will be able to review and refine their existing course designs with regard to the implementation of UDL.
• Instructors will be able to develop a more inclusive course design for their next course that enables self-directed learning for as many students as possibel.

Workshop design:
The workshop combines reflection, input, discussion, and practical exercises. The workshop facilitators will provide input on UDL principles and examples, findings from the Austrian student social survey, and topic-related resources. Designing more inclusive course concepts also requires self-reflection and active engagement with concrete proposals for implementing UDL. Instructors then review their own course concepts and develop their own action plans. The exchange with participants and the workshop facilitators supports self-reflection and the work process.

Preparation:
In preparation, participants are encouraged to watch the video on digital accessibility (German) and review the relevant modules in the syllabus template.

Workshop Facilitators
The workshop will be led by Dr. Simone Adams, Center for Digital Teaching and Learning (ZDLL), and Dr. Lisa Scheer, Competence Center for University Teaching (ZLK).

This workshop is part of the Teaching Design Training Weeks. 
Registration deadline: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Maximum number of participants: 20

Information for participants in the “Teaching Certificate” program: This event falls under the higher education pedagogy topic area “Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability.”

Please note that your registration is binding. 

Please be aware that your attendance at the event is important and valuable both for the event organizers (who plan the content based on group size) and for the other participants (due to limited space and the need for collegial exchange).
Therefore, please notify us via email if you are unable to attend an event so that people on the waiting list can take your place.
Thank you very much!

Note: By registering for this event, you agree to receive future information about other ZLK offerings via email.