Universal Design for Learning

Abstract

Background: Blended learning (BL), the combining of face-to-face and online learning, is gaining prominence in nursing education in response to advances in evidence-based learning using technology, the diverse and evolving needs of nursing learners, and unpredictable events impacting nursing education. Problem: Blended learning requires nursing learners and educators to adapt to new modalities and educators to re-envision learning environments. However, BL lacks an educational framework to guide implementation and is not well explored in the nursing literature. Approach: Universal design for learning (UDL) is applied as a framework for BL in nursing education. Conclusions: Universal design for learning provides a framework for BL to enable nursing educators, learners, and educational institutions to reimagine teaching and learning in novel ways that incorporate emerging evidence and address new challenges. Blended learning, within the context of UDL, offers opportunities for diverse and inclusive learning. Research is needed to guide the implementation of BL best practices within a UDL framework.