Universal Design for Learning and Generative AI

Research participants needed: Exploring GenAI use for UDL implementation in Higher Education

I am conducting PhD research at Lancaster University examining how Higher Education educators are using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in their teaching practices.

Research focus:

My study explores how educators navigate the technological and pedagogical affordances of GenAI to create more inclusive learning environments, using Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) as a framework for analysis.

Who can participate?

• Higher Education educators working the UK, USA, Canada or Ireland

• Those familiar with UDL principles

• Individuals who have used GenAI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot) to implement UDL in their teaching

What's involved?

Participation involves a semi-structured interview via Microsoft Teams lasting approximately 60 minutes. The interview should take place before 19th December 2025.

Your insights will contribute to understanding how GenAI might help overcome barriers to UDL implementation.

This research has received ethical approval from Lancaster University Research Ethics Committee (Reference: 5436).

I'm hoping to conduct all of my research before 19th December 2025, but can extend this to 31st January, if necessary.

If I agree to participate, what kinds of questions will you ask me?

If you agree to participate in an interview, it will last from 45-60 minutes and will be semi-structured. This means that I may ask questions from the list below as well as additional unscripted questions based on your responses.

Introduction (2-3 minutes)

• Could you briefly tell me about your role, institution, and teaching context?

• How familiar are you with Universal Design for Learning principles?

Activity and object-ive (6-7 minutes)

• What motivated you to begin using GenAI tools in your teaching practice?

• What specific aspects of inclusive pedagogy were you hoping to address through using GenAI?

Subjects and tools (6-7 minutes)

• Could you walk me through an example of how you've used GenAI to implement one or more of the UDL principles?

• What do you see as the main strengths and limitations of GenAI tools for promoting UDL in your teaching?

Rules and regulations (6-7 minutes)

• How do institutional policies or guidelines, or national regulations influence your approach to using GenAI for inclusion?

• Have you encountered any ethical concerns when using GenAI tools to support inclusive teaching?

Division of labour (6-7 minutes)

• Who else is involved in your use of GenAI for implementing UDL principles?

• Has using GenAI changed how you collaborate with others in your teaching or allocate your time?

Community (6-7 minutes)

• How do your colleagues and students respond to your GenAI-enhanced UDL approaches?

• What support networks or communities do you engage with regarding GenAI use in teaching?

Contradictions and tensions (6-7 minutes)

• What tensions have you experienced between your inclusive teaching goals and GenAI capabilities or institutional constraints?

• How do you navigate conflicts between accepted teaching approaches and GenAI-enhanced UDL practices?

Outcomes (6-7 minutes)

• What changes have you observed in student engagement or outcomes since implementing GenAI-enhanced UDL approaches?

• How do you evaluate the effectiveness of your GenAI-enhanced UDL approaches?

Reflective questions (6-7 minutes)

• Based on your experience, what advice would you give to educators considering using GenAI for UDL?

• Is there anything else that you’d like to add?

The participant information sheet gives you further information about the research. If you would like to take part, you will need to complete a consent form. Both of these documents are below.

You can use my Microsoft Bookings link to find a convenient timeslot. If there is nothing suitable for you, please let me know some suggested times and I’ll see what I can do. 

Although I am studying for my PhD at Lancaster University, my full time role is as Senior Learning Designer Team Lead at the University of Southampton, which is why the Microsoft Bookings link is from the University of Southampton. The Teams meeting link will be associated with my Lancaster University account.