An inclusive approach to your teaching and learning materials acknowledges that your student body is made up of a diverse population. Considering different backgrounds, abilities, disabilities, languages and situations.

For example, if you only provide online timetabled lectures with no recording where students are required to turn on cameras/microphones, you are limiting the learning experience for those with poor Internet connectivity, limited hardware, no quiet space in the home, with hearing difficulties, with caring responsibilities, whose first language isn’t that of the lecturer and many more. Given an average class that is potentially quite a large proportion of it.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework was created by CAST.org to help make learning inclusive and transformative for everyone. The three tenets to provide students with flexibility and inclusion are and are covered in their comprehensive guidelines on the CAST website:

• Engagement
• Representation
• Action and Expression

The following short video summarises why to avoid a one size fits all approach and some key things to consider when designing your course.