Designing for the Range, Not the Average with Michelle Patterson - Part 1

What if the biggest limitation in our course design is the idea of the “average learner”?In this episode, Michael Cottam sits down with Michelle Patterson to explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a mindset shift—not a checklist. Together, they unpack how designing for learner variability changes how we think about engagement, access, and success.Rather than asking how to “fix” students, Michelle reframes the challenge: where are the barriers in our design?You’ll hear practical examples—from buffet-style learning choices to simple structural supports—that show how small changes can make learning more effective for everyone.This conversation is especially helpful if you’ve ever felt stuck trying to meet the needs of diverse learners with limited time and resources.UDL GuidelinesAbout the UDL 3.0 Guidelines updateHarvard UDL: Explore and UDL: ApplyJoin us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more aboutThe Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education