This presentation shares the story of the Cengage Instructional Design and Delivery team’s journey toward creating inclusive learning experiences by implementing its quality learning principles, the UDL framework, and accessibility guidelines. The presentation summarizes the training that was facilitated across several teams, outcomes, and lessons learned.
Presentation Goals
- Describe the importance of inclusive learning experiences that benefit all learners.
- Explain the benefits of a blended asynchronous and synchronous online learning approach for training others in the implementation of UDL and accessibility in learning designs.
- Describe lessons learned from the training process.
- Share tangible examples of product and process improvement that resulted from training.
- Inspire others as they embark on similar journeys.
Presentation Description
Many in higher education (and education in general) understand that the way students learn and engage with material is constantly changing. To support today’s diverse learners, teams across Cengage are being challenged to re-think the standard approach to education and instructional design by embracing Cengage’s four core Quality Learning Principles, the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA. The Quality Learning Principles at Cengage center around personalization, authenticity, inclusivity, and intentionality.
In this presentation, the audience will learn about Cengage’s journey and the lessons that have been learned along the way. Whether audience members are new to UDL and accessibility or have been practicing both for years, this presentation offers valuable takeaways that can be implemented in a variety of settings.
Part 1: Why train education professionals in UDL and accessibility guidelines?
The first part of the presentation will answer the question, “Why?” Why was embracing the UDL framework and accessibility guidelines important for Cengage as an organization? Why are inclusive learning experiences better for all learners? We’ll answer those questions and offer additional insights and perspectives gleaned from training participants. We will also share a pivotal video that sparked a serious discussion about diversity and inclusion across our organization.
Part 2: Overview of training courses and the impact on product and course design and development
In the second part of the presentation, we will describe the training that was offered to Cengage’s Instructional Design and Delivery team and members of the Product Development and Product Management teams. Specifically, we will provide an overview of the courses that were developed to educate these audiences, and show how a blended synchronous and asynchronous online learning approach benefited our learners. Outcomes of the training as they relate to the design and development of Cengage’s products and platforms will also be presented.
Part 3: Lessons learned and challenges solved
This part involves a closer look at lessons learned and showcases some of the ways that our daily work has changed as a result of the training. Examples of design challenges that were solved by implementing the UDL framework and accessibility guidelines will be provided.
Conclusion
Our presentation will conclude with a facilitated 5-minute reflection activity and a 10-minute Q&A/group discussion, detailed below:
Reflection Activity: Take 5 minutes to reflect on what you’ve learned in this session. Choose from one of the following prompts to guide your reflection:
- Why are inclusive learning experiences important to you?
- How do inclusive learning experiences benefit all learners?
- Which lessons learned discussed in the presentation can you apply in your role or educational environment?
Q&A/Group Discussion: The 10-minute Q&A/Group Discussion will start by asking participants to share their takeaways. Starter questions will include the following:
- What was your biggest takeaway from this presentation?
- What will you do differently when you get back to your workplace or classroom?
- What challenges do you face with UDL implementation in your organization or institution?
We will wrap up by reviewing responses to these questions and opening the floor for general questions.