Universal design for online courses: Addressing the needs of non-traditional learners

Online courses offer access to higher educational opportunity for “non-traditional” learners. Non-traditional students include students who live in rural or remote areas, students who are culturally or linguistically diverse, students with disabilities and adult learners who return to college to gain certifications and degrees. These students can benefit from online courses that take into account their backgrounds, learning needs and preferences. Universal design principles provide a framework that addresses diversity in the classroom. This paper describes how instructors can employ instructional strategies based on universal design guidelines and create environments that support non-traditional learners.