This study investigated online faculty familiarity, course design use, and professional development interest regarding universal design for learning (UDL) guidelines. The researchers surveyed all 2017 to 2018 online faculty at a large university in the southeastern United States. Findings included 71.6% of faculty reporting familiarity with at least one UDL guideline, with most respondents indicating familiarity with guidelines relating to perception, expression, and communication. Faculty reported the highest implementation of UDL guidelines was for those suggesting options for comprehension as well as expression and communication; the lowest implementation was for those suggesting options for physical action as well as language and support. Survey results also indicated high to moderate interest in learning more about all UDL guidelines, with emphasis on comprehension, persistence, and expression. This study suggests that faculty members desire UDL training and offers possibilities for planning and implementing such professional development in areas targeted to best meet the needs of online faculty.
There are many individuals that have been supportive in the completion of this dissertation. The members of my committee at Old Dominion have been guiding lights and I extend my thanks to them for their many hours of work. Dr. Gary Morrison guided me as my advisor until his retirement and continued on my committee post retirement. I am honored to be your last student. I am also thankful that you agreed to see me through to the end. Dr. Linda Bol and Dr. Jill Sefaniak have guided as co-directors of my committee. Thank you both for your constructive and quick feedback. My colleagues and friends at UNCW have also contributed to the successful completion of this work. I extend my appreciation to them for their support and assistance. Mrs. Sheri Conklin has been my partner in crime for too many years to count. Thank you for being the other half of my brain. Dr. Florence Martin has mentored me through my first few research studies. Thank you for your patience and dedication. A special thank you to all of my colleagues that participated in this study or listened to me talk about it over the past year and a half. My family has provided support in too many ways to mention. I want to thank my parents, Don and Pat Allred, for their belief and support through all of my degrees. They never realized that I would be in college until I was forty-three. I promise that I am done. To my extended family, particularly Susan and Ron Singletary, thank you for your support and guidance as well. You all are the best cheerleaders. Thank you to my wonderful husband, Christian, for your support and putting up with me throughout this process. I love you.
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