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Conference Technology

Partnering MERLOT and Universal Design for Learning to Increase Student Success

Presenter(s)
Cathy Swift (MERLOT, US)
Laura Franklin (Northern Virginia Community College, US)
Ray Purdom (UNC - Greensboro, US)
Jeanne Sewell (Georgia College & State University, US)
Session Information
July 25, 2012 - 1:30pm
Track: 
Digital Learning Environments and Communities
Major Emphasis of Presentation: 
Applied Use (technology or pedagogy)
Audience Level: 
All
Session Type: 
Featured Session
Location: 
Marco Polo 806-807
Session Duration: 
50 Minutes
1
Virtual Session
MERLOT Session
Abstract

Utilizing the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in course design can significantly increase student motivation/engagement and student success.

Extended Abstract

Recognizing that the way individuals learn can be unique, UDL calls for instructors to provide multiple means of representation to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge, to offer multiple means for learners to engage with the course content and to allow multiple means of expression to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know. The panel of MERLOT editors will show examples from the MERLOT collection of disciplinary content, software tools, faculty development resources and implementation case stories to assist instructors in using UDL principles in their courses. They will also introduce you to the pedagogy portal of MERLOT, where you may find other materials utilized for UDL.

Lead Presenter

Dr. Cathy O. Swift is the Director of Academic Partner Services at MERLOT. She received a B.S. in Marketing at Pennsylvania State University, MBA at Indiana University, and Ph.D. at University of North Texas. She has published over 30 journal articles and numerous proceedings. Recently, she was a Professor of Marketing at Georgia Southern University and received the Outstanding Georgia WebMBA Faculty Award, University Award for Research Excellence, College of Business Administration Award for Sustained Excellence, College of Business Administration Professor of the Year Award, University Award for Teaching Excellence, and College of Business Administration Award for Teaching Excellence. She has worked part time on MERLOT since 1999 as Editor of the Business Discipline as well as Manager of the Editorial Boards. She began working for the California State University Office of the Chancellor on behalf of the MERLOT project in June 2006. Her research interests are in the areas of online teaching, teaching pedagogy and international business. Prior to her work in academia, she was employed by Cummins Engine Company and Ford Tractor Operations. Her corporate work included positions in international marketing research, sales and management.

© 2012, The Sloan Consortium ®