TALKING TO COURSE INSTRUCTORS ABOUT UD OSD Orientation Week Happening August 30 th, 2012

Why talk to course instructor? To validate their efforts if they use UD tools in the class and to let them know it has impact on your learning. To ask them to implement certain simple common sense tools if they are not already using them. To advocate for diverse learners and make instructors aware of your needs To discuss with the course instructor notions of inclusion and explain that you perhaps prefer NOT to disclose your impairment and NOT to be asked to get support elsewhere.

UD in a nutshell A desire to focus on the way the environment enables or disables the student, rather than on individual characteristics. A recognition that all learners are unique and diverse and that there is no such thing as ‘one way to learn’. A focus on all tools available to widen access to learning (technology in all its forms playing a large role) A belief in the right to inclusion of all learners.

1. Validating the efforts of course instructors Here are a few items to look out for. Make sure you mention your appreciation to your course instructors if they are already using them: - Digital textbooks available from site such as Coursesmart (this avoids the need for digital copy requests from editors or the OSD). - Placing Powerpoint on Mycourses (this avoids the need for notetakers to be hired as a mesure of retrofitting). - Recording lectures when the equipment is available - Using group discussions, online forums and e-portfolios to create multiple means of engagement. - Offering various options of evaluation methods

2. To ask them to implement certain simple common sense tools if they are not already using them. Here are a few of the common sense tips you might be able to suggest to your course instructor as first UD steps: - Working in extra time into the mid-term exams so that all students needing it can automatically benefit from it; - Using varied media in class (texts, videos, websites, Powerpoint slides) - Offering notes ahead of class and making them available online (principles of the `flipped classroom’) - Offering multiple means of engagement (online, in class, terrain projects, discussions with peers) - Provide captioning on all videos used in class.

3. To advocate for diverse learners and make instructors aware of your needs By discussing UD, you make course instructor aware of the fact all learners are diverse This discussion emphasizes the limitations of standard, ‘one size fits all’, delivery methods and evaluation methods. It makes the instructor aware of possible barriers to learning present in the class. It may benefit other learners who are afraid to speak up and advocate It creates a dialogue with instructors and promotes a healthy management of change.

4. To discuss with the course instructor notions of inclusion and explain that you perhaps prefer NOT to disclose your impairment and NOT to be asked to get support elsewhere. Instructors in Higher Education may not be aware of the fact that you have been included in mainstream classes throughout you secondary education. Instructors may not appreciate how unpleasant it is to be asked to obtain support, or ‘retrofitting’, elsewhere. Instructors may not be aware of the difficulties out of class evaluations can cause (paperwork, lack of direct communication with the instructor during the evaluation, ‘labelling’) Instructors may not be aware that you have benefitted from inclusive practices which they can mirror with minor adjustements.

Course evaluations These are important. Complete them each semester. Make sure you mention any efforts to make the course delivery or the evaluation UD. Make sure you mention your instructor`s UD efforts within the faculty. This progressively becomes acknowledged and will make its way to the course instructor`s tenure file. Mention such UD efforts within the faculty – through a modelling, you can be guaranteed other instructors will also try these tips.

Contacts If you have questions about UD or wish to contact someone for more information, feel free to or