Project Three: UDI Online (2008 – 2011)
Our current project, UDI Online, extends prior work in UDI into the online and technology blended learning environments. There is rapid growth in online and blended course offerings and enrollments, but limited evidence related to effective teaching practices for diverse learners, particularly those with mild cognitive disabilities. The project focuses on the concept of "faculty as designer" and targets electronic teaching tools (called e-Tools) that faculty can implement in their courses without requiring the support of an instructional or web design team. It is important to note that the e-Tools will not be universally designed in and of themselves. Rather, it is the manner by which individual faculty members integrate and implement these e-Tools in course planning, delivery, and assessment that will determine how the use of e-Tools reflect the Principles of UDI©. For example, the same e-Tool may be used in a different manner or for a different purpose by different faculty members. This may result in the same e-Tool reflecting different Principles of UDI©, or in some cases, more than one Principle. Collaborative relationships are being established with a range of postsecondary institutions to implement, field-test, and review these e-Tools. Information about project results will be made available via the project website, www.udi.uconn.edu.