ADCET UDL Symposium: Leveraging AI to Create Inclusive Educational Podcasts
In-person workshop
In the evolving landscape of digital education, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles emphasise the importance of providing multiple means of representation to accommodate diverse learners. This workshop explored the innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist educators from both the HE and VET sectors in converting existing written materials into various podcast formats, thereby enhancing accessibility and inclusivity.
Participants were guided through the use of AI-powered software programs, highlighting the simplicity and time-saving benefits of this technology. By developing different types of podcasts, educators will have a new tool to cater to varied learning preferences and needs. The podcast formats include:
- The Quick Burst: Delivers succinct, key pieces of information, ideal for quick learning sessions.
- The Narrative: Tells a story about a topic, combining the episodic format of broadcast radio with the narrative voice of audiobooks.
- The Chat Show: Utilises conversation between participants to explore various ideas and concepts and incorporate a diversity of perspectives. This aligns with a shift in the representation theme in UDL 3.0. (CAST, 2024)
These formats, inspired by Drew (2017), demonstrate the potential of AI and assistive technology (AT) as enablers of inclusion. By offering different types of audio content, we add yet another layer of multiple means of representation, moving beyond simply presenting audio to meeting a wide range of needs.
The workshop included interactive activities to maximise engagement and demonstrate that rather than something to be feared, the creation of podcasts can bring joy and play to educators, another new element of the UDL 3.0 guidelines. Also provided is a "Universal Design for Learning and Podcasting Guide", a practical resource that can be used to help replicate these techniques in daily practice.
Presenter
Mark Shelton is a Senior Teaching Fellow and Coordinator of the University Connections Program (UCP) at the University of Tasmania. In this role, Mark bridges secondary schools and university education while teaching in the Diploma of Applied Technologies. Mark has pioneered educational podcasting initiatives that exemplify universal design for learning principles, creating accessible audio content that accommodates diverse learning styles and needs. This podcasting work extends his commitment to inclusive education and reflects his broader mission of developing authentic, technology-enhanced learning experiences for all students. He shares these insights via presentations and workshops, supporting peers in integrating research findings into their teaching through innovative technology use.
(June 2025)