UID Project Wraps Up

October 22, 2003

Teaching Support Services (TSS) is marking the completion of U of G's two-year Universal Instructional Design (UID) Project by hosting an event to celebrate the project's successes and share its results. The event runs Oct. 29 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Room 442 of the University Centre, with a formal program beginning at 4 p.m. Anyone interested in attending should RSVP to Ext. 53571 or palmerj@uoguelph.ca.

Funded by the Ontario government's Learning Opportunities Task Force and conducted through TSS, the UID Project was designed to give all students equal access to learning, regardless of possible disability, learning preference or personal circumstance.

The project provided faculty from widely ranging disciplines with course development grants and access to design and technical expertise through TSS.

"It's been a wonderful experience - a real whirlwind of activity," says Jaellayna Palmer, project manager.

"The range seen in some of the tools and activities developed as a result of the project was remarkable. In some cases, entire courses were redesigned. In other instances, the changes were more modest. In all cases, the overall impact on student learning was impressive."

The activities or course components developed included case studies, quizzes, self-evaluation tools, supported-learning-group activities, simulations, website development, course notes, graphics and self-directed learning tools and tutorials. Larger projects included equipment to enhance learning and even a complete redesign of a teaching laboratory to better accommodate varying learning styles and needs, including those of students with a range of disabilities.

As the project progressed, UID generated much interest off campus as well, says Palmer. Universities, colleges, governments and professional organizations invited her to showcase the project at more than 25 conferences and speaking engagements as far afield as Vancouver, Montreal, Halifax and Palm Springs.
For more deatils about the UID Project, visit the website www.tss.uoguelph.ca/uid/index.html.