Implementing Universal Design for Learning in Your Brightspace Course Sites

WHY + HOW: Implementing Universal Design for Learning* in Your Brightspace Course Sites

  • Do you need TIME + SUPPORT to design your Brightspace course sites for Spring 2025?  
  • Do you want to make your Brightspace course sites INCLUSIVE + ACCESSIBLE? 

APPLY BELOW for a 2-day workshop, January 14-15, 2025 for hands-on support to incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies into your Brightspace course sites. 

Apply at: https://forms.office.com/r/iBPYdSmCc6

All instructors, including full time faculty and part time adjuncts, who will be teaching in the spring are welcome.
Workshop time is set aside for you to complete significant course prep in Brightspace that incorporates Universal Design for Learning.  

We will be using Brightspace as the learning platform, so you’ll have an opportunity to experience it as a learner.

    In-person Workshop

    Dates: Tuesday and Wednesday, January 14-15, 2025
    Time: 9:45am-3:30pm
    Location: In person at Queens College, Location to be announced 
    Breakfast + Lunch will be served 
    Faculty who complete both days will receive a giftcard for $200

    Bring your questions about creating an inclusive Brightspace learning environment for in-person and online classes, and design course materials you need for the semester!  

    Space is limited! Please complete your Application by 11:59 pm on December 17, 2024. 

    • Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until we reach capacity.
    • Apply soon to make sure you have a spot!
    • Applicants will be notified by December 20, 2024.

    Who should attend?

    • Faculty who want to make their Brightspace inclusive and accessible to all learners
    • Faculty interested in implementing Universal Design for Learning strategies in their classes
    • Faculty seeking hands-on support to build out their Brightspace course sites  

    Apply at: https://forms.office.com/r/iBPYdSmCc6

    Information: CTLOnline@qc.cuny.edu

    The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Collaborative at Queens College, the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Leadership (CETLL), and the Office of Innovation and Student Success are offering this workshop, with support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.  

      *UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING

      As described by About Universal Design for Learning, “Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn.

      The goal of UDL is learner agency that is purposeful & reflective, resourceful & authentic, strategic & action-oriented.”

      Facilitators:

      Dr. Sally Izquierdo 

      Sally Izquierdo, PhD is a Board Certified and NYS Licensed Behavior Analyst and Licensed Psychologist. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a Master’s degree in Counseling and from CUNY Queens College and The Graduate Center with a PhD in Behavior Analysis. Dr. Izquierdo has over 30 years of clinical experience, providing support to individuals with developmental disabilities, families, and professionals in homes, schools, and in the community. Her work as chair of NYSABA’s public policy committee contributed significantly to the recent removal of the scope of practice restriction for licensed behavior analysts in New York.  

      At Queens College, Dr. Izquierdo is responsible for the clinical training for all master’s programs in the psychology department and directs the Applied Behavior Analysis graduate programs. As Director of QC Project REACH, she has developed behavior analytic supports for autistic CUNY students, and workshops for neurodivergent students and faculty. Dr. Izquierdo, in collaboration with psychology graduate students, developed the Queens College Neurodiversity Hub, which is a faculty resource bank and collegial discussion forum on the Teams platform. Dr. Izquierdo is also an active member of the Psychology Department DEIA Committee and faculty advisor to the QC Neurodiversity Advocacy Club.    

      Dr. Izquierdo is dedicated to helping improve the practice landscape for behavior analysts in New York, experience opportunities for students, and inclusive support for neurodivergent college students.  

      Jean Kelly, Instructional Technologist, CETLL  

      Jean has been with CETLL since 2010, providing pedagogical and technical support for faculty in various instructional modes. She helps organize workshops to prepare faculty for teaching online and assisted faculty during the transition from Blackboard to Brightspace. In addition, she has created tutorials on Blackboard, Brightspace, Google Classroom; lecture capture; and other educational technologies.

      Elena Sigman, Director of Learning & Development, QC Innovation and Student Success Team   

      Elena joined Queens College in July 2024, bringing more than 30 years of experience in stakeholder engagement to drive equitable program design and nonprofit program management. She was most recently the Director of Collaborative Learning at John Jay College’s Institute for Justice and Opportunity, where she developed a suite of workforce programs as part of the Institute’s commitment to increasing access to higher education and careers for people directly impacted by the criminal legal system. Elena is also an Associate Certified Coach with certifications from the International Coaching Federation and NeuroLeadership Institute.