ADCET UDL Symposium: Embedding UDL 3.0 in Institution-wide Academic Support Resource Design
In-person presentation
At Southern Cross University (SCU), Learning Advisers led the development of an institution-wide Assessment Skills Toolkit within Blackboard Ultra to better respond to learner variability. This project aligns with symposium themes of “Accessibility” and “UDL beyond the classroom” by embedding UDL 3.0 guidelines into digital academic support resources, extending inclusive design beyond classroom instruction.
The initial design philosophy prioritised authentic application of knowledge through interactive H5P books combining multimedia content and practice activities. However, feedback from Educational Designers highlighted accessibility limitations, particularly for students using screen readers. This prompted a shift from tool-driven interactivity to principle-driven design guided by the UDL 3.0.
Using UDL 3.0, accessibility and learner variability became foundational rather than retrofitted considerations. The Toolkit was relocated to Blackboard Ultra, leveraging the integrated accessibility tool Ally, which generates alternative formats (e.g. audios). Across the three UDL 3.0 dimensions, the redesign foregrounded agency and autonomy. In Engagement, scenario-based entry points allow students to choose pathways aligned with their assessment challenges. In Representation, content is structured in multimodal formats, with consistent text alternatives and clearly chunked text, to support information processing and reduce cognitive overload. In Action and Expression, varied practice and note-taking activities support strategic learning and flexible demonstration of understanding. Overall, UDL 3.0 reframed both the product and the development process, positioning inclusive design and self-regulation as foundational.
Early student and staff feedback indicates improved navigation clarity and greater confidence in approaching assessments. Evaluation is ongoing, including consultation with inclusion support teams to understand accessibility impact across diverse learner groups.
Presenter
Dr Boya Zhang is a Learning Adviser at Southern Cross University with a background in second language teaching and learning. She has solid experience in teaching, designing, and refining learning materials, and in supporting individual students with disability or mental health conditions in their assignment work. Her work centres on developing inclusive and accessible teaching practices and learning support resources. She has also contributed to an institution-wide project aimed at developing accessible assessment skills resources for students.
(June 2026)