How to Integrate Framing Language and Principles of Universal Design for Learning in Online Instruction

Concurrent Session 7

Brief Abstract

Focusing on instructional design and engaged teaching, this interactive and hands-on session demonstrates how to integrate framing language and the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with an online Learning Management System. Attendees will have the opportunity to apply framing language and universal design techniques to craft course assignments and build a syllabus.

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Frank Baskind, Virginia Commonwealth University

Frank Baskind, Ph.D. is dean emeritus and professor in the School of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he also served as dean of the School of Social Work (1992-2008) and University Ombudsman (2008-2013). Prior to his tenure at VCU, Baskind was at Southern Connecticut State University where he was Dean of the School of Social Work and then the Founding Dean of the School of Social Work and Human Services. He also was the Founding Director of the Undergraduate Social Work Program at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN, and served in the positions of President of the Board of Directors of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), as well as Chairperson of the Commission on Accreditation for CSWE. Baskind earned a doctorate in Education and the Master of Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut, a master of Theology degree from Saint Leo University, and the baccalaureate degree from Fordham University. He also earned the Diploma in Professional Education from the University of Connecticut. He was one of two primary contributors to the development of the New York Academy of Medicine Leadership Institute for Social Work Deans and recently served on the Advisory Board of the Alexander Street Press for the creation of the learning resource, Social Work Online. In March 2010, Baskind was honored by the University of Connecticut School of Social Work as a “Leader Making a Difference” in Social Work Education.

Extended Abstract

With the increase in the number of online programs in higher education, opportunities emerge for programs to develop online courses to maintain enrollments and revenues, to remain competitive, and to adjust to the shifting challenges of the coronavirus. During this time of transition and change in instructional design and faculty teaching, there is a need for new and effective teaching in an engaged online learning environment.

This hands on and interactive session begins with a description of framing language and the principles of Universal Design for Learning. Examples of how to combine these two frameworks with an online Learning Management System will be presented. To illustrate the context of the changes in instructional design, an online course with assignments, rubrics, and syllabus matrix, are presented.  Working together in small groups, the session participants will have the opportunity to apply framing language and the principles of Universal Design for Learning to craft course assignments and create a syllabus.

As a result of participating in this session, the attendees will learn techniques of instructional design and how to integrate the use of framing language and the principles of Universal Design for Learning in crafting online courses. This session may serve as a resource or a primer for educators and administrators considering introducing or improving online courses and instruction.