UDLnet - Universal Design for Learning: A Framework for Addressing Learner Variability

UDLnet - Universal Design for Learning: A Framework for Addressing Learner Variability D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Project: Work package: Lead Participant: Authors: Document Type: Distribution: Status: N. 528005-LLP-1-2012-1-GR-COMENIUS-CNW - UDLnet WP 6: Dissemination NHL Ron Barendsen; Roelien Wierda Report Public Draft Document file: D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Version: 0.2 Date: 3 March 2015 11 th May 2015 Number of pages: D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Pagina 1

Abstract: This dissemination report builds on the dissemination strategy which describes in detail the dissemination activities planned by the consortium of the network Universal Design for Learning: a Framework for Addressing Learner Variability (UDLnet). It includes all important aspects of planned dissemination activities, defines dissemination phases and presents planned material and tools to be prepared in order to disseminate information on the project UDLnet. It aims to define the dissemination goals as well as the project s target audience and channels through which the project results are going to be promoted. In this report dissemination activities, products and channels deployed during the first 12 months of the network (hereafter phase 1) will be described and evaluated. Consortium: Name Role Country Short name Ellinogermaniki Agogi Coordinator Greece EA Universal Learning Systems Partner Ireland ULS National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Partner Greece UoA Angalia Elpidas Partner Cyprus Elpidas NHL University of Applied Sciences Partner Netherlands NHL Confederación Española de Centros de Enseñanza Partner Spain CECE Centrum für angewandte Systemlösungen e.v. Partner Germany cefas Enable Ireland Disability Services Ltd Partner Ireland EI The Finnish Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Partner Finland Faidd D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Pagina 2

0.1 About this document This dissemination report builds on the dissemination strategy which describes in detail the dissemination activities planned by the consortium of the network Universal Design for Learning: a Framework for Addressing Learner Variability (UDLnet). It includes all important aspects of planned dissemination activities, defines dissemination phases and presents planned material and tools to be prepared in order to disseminate information on the project UDLnet. It aims to define the dissemination goals as well as the project s target audience and channels through which the project results are going to be promoted. In this report dissemination activities, products and channels deployed during the first 12 months of the network (hereafter phase 1) will be described and evaluated. 0.2. Version Version Date / Contributor Summary of Changes 0.1 March 3, 2015; Roelien First draft version Wierda 0.2 May 11, 2015; Roelien Initial version for partners input Wierda 0.3 Partners feedback 1.0 Final version 0.3 Table of contents 0.1 About this document... 3 0.2. Version... 3 0.3 Table of contents... 3 1. Introduction... 4 1.1 Purpose of the document: criteria for success... 4 1.2 Structure of the document... 5 D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Pagina 3

Introduction By dissemination we understand activities being aimed at spreading information and promoting knowledge about the project and project results, as well as promoting development of the professional network around universal design for learning in Europe. As is described in the Dissemination Strategy (D 6.1) dissemination is an ongoing process starting at the very beginning of the project, involving showcasing the project s activities, outcomes and intermediate as well as final results. Dissemination is the key element of the project s visibility and sustainability. Therefore the dissemination activities are a focus area within the project s duration in order to promote the project s ideas, knowledge and results, as well as the completed project outcomes and their future exploitation. The general aim of this document is to describe relevant dissemination activities and deliverables carried out in the first year of the Network, in other words, during the awareness- raising phase. 1.1 Purpose of the document: criteria for success The Dissemination interim report provides a view of the results of UDLnet during the first year i.e. the awareness- raising phase. It describes in detail how planned dissemination activities planned in D 6.1 have been undertaken by the whole network consortium and/or individual partners. The purpose of this document is to monitor the effectiveness of the strategy of the network s dissemination activities, considering all the necessary staff and different dimensions of the dissemination process. In D 6.1 we have defined the following aspects: Definition of the network s results (see D 6.1) Definition of the target groups and areas which shall be reached within dissemination process (see D 6.1) Providing relevant dissemination material, maintaining and systematically updating it: Project website Project leaflet Identification of events relevant to the network s area of interest and choosing the ones where the network will be presented Recommendation of scientific papers, journals, and publication possibilities where UDLnet can be presented Plan of effective cooperation with the project s target and focus groups D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Pagina 4

The first two points (network s results and target groups and areas) are the integral part of the network s exploitation and will be provided within WP7. This dissemination interim report describes in detail the activities that have been carried out by and in relation to WP6 1.2 Structure of the document The document consists of six chapters including introduction and summary formulating main conclusions for the dissemination interim report After providing the introduction to the document, the second section will link the issues that are the basis for the whole dissemination process ( why shall we disseminate, what will be disseminated, who will disseminate )to a general overview of dissemination activities that have been carried out. The third section of the document presents how the knowledge about the project has been disseminated in the first year of the project This chapter describes different dissemination tools, dividing them into two groups: dissemination materials, which have been prepared and dissemination activities that have been undertaken by the consortium partners. The fourth section describes how and to what extent the target audience of the project as described in D 6.1 have been addressed and reached. Target groups that have been addressed are: - Management in primary and secondary education - Teachers in primary and secondary education - Students in departments of education (undergraduate and postgraduate) - Educational policy makers - Educational professionals - Special Education Organizations - Parents - Voluntary organizations and NGO s The next chapter presents the dissemination methodology which describes the way how the consortium has acted within the dissemination process of the first year, which instruments have been used, which activities have been undertaken and how the plan has been and will be updated (to include the future activities). In the final chapter conclusions will be drawn and recommendations for the future will be made; This interim report will be an important tool in assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of the dissemination strategy, and will serve as the basis for improvement. D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Pagina 5

Dissemination overview 2.1 Network dissemination Objectives The UDLnet consortium constitutes a balanced set of a variety of institutions operating in different relevant domains and in different ways. Additionally consortium organisations are relevantly related to different target groups and stakeholders, which has facilitated direct contact with them. The Dissemination Interim Report will demonstrate how this variety of partners has contributed to the project dissemination. The general goals of the dissemination activities of the project are (source : D 6.1) To widely disseminate general awareness of the UDLnet project and its special focus on accessibility, design and educational inclusion. To disseminate knowledge about the project, its objectives and results to the project s direct target audience - Management in primary and secondary education - Teachers in primary and secondary education - Students in departments of education (undergraduate and postgraduate) - Educational policy makers - Educational professionals - Special Education Organizations - Parents - Voluntary organizations and NGO s To disseminate research results of the UDLnet - Conferences proceedings - Social Media: Facebook, ScoopIt, Youtube, Twitter - Articles and papers (popular and academic) - Brochures and leaflets - Project Website To propagate training programmes for UDL to relevant target groups in the participating countries and other European countries; D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Pagina 6

To promote the internet- based Inventory containing best UDL practices To participate in thematically related events and conferences to inform the target groups about the project s results o o o international/national scientific conferences workshops and symposia fairs To disseminate overall project results and outcomes. 2.2 Project output and results This Dissemination Interim Report describes relevant activities which have been undertaken to realise the above- mentioned goals. In the Dissemination Strategy D 6.1 the whole dissemination process has been divided into three phases : the project start, collection of good practices and the end of the project. The progress with respect to planned dissemination are shortly described in the table 1 below: N.B. In order to keep track of the various activities, products and channels of each of the partners an online spreadsheet has been set up which the partners keep up- to- date with respect to their share in the dissemination of UDL expertise and experience. https://docs.google.com/a/nhl.nl/spreadsheets/d/1qgqw- l85zl_oemnolm6zxwf9fefuebdda4- NDMet39M/edit#gid=2 This report is based on the contents of the dissemination spreadsheet. Table 1 : Phase 1 : awareness building Goals achieved : UDLNet logo, website, Evaluation : Tools/deliverables realized - Raising general awareness of the UDLnet project;- Announcing the project s goals and plans; - Raising attention among relevant target groups; - Spreading information among participants and potential participants in the pilot projects; - Starting dissemination knowledge in the mass and social media. - UDLNET logo; - Presentation template - Initial leaflet : in 6 languages - UDLNet website : http://www.udlnet- project.eu/ - Partners networks : see spreadsheet - Social Media : Facebook, youtube, twitter, ScoopIt, Pinterest, LinkedIn, MySchoolsNetwork (links to be found on official udlnet website Results that have been achieved but were not described in the Dissemination Strategy : - UDLnet quick reference card (in Dutch, English and D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Pagina 7

German) http://www.myschoolsnetwork.com/uploadeddocuments /udl- matrix- engels- deff.pdf - UDL online course in Dutch and English http://www.myschoolsnetwork.com/projects/udl- on- the- fly http://www.myschoolsnetwork.com/projects/udlnet- nederland 3. Dissemination channels : online and offline The UDLNET Dissemination plan was structured in such a way that the network would launch a variety of dissemination means which enable the consortium to effectively reach different target groups in the most suitable ways for their needs. The means of dissemination have been divided into two main groups: Dissemination material products created in order to easier identify the project (e.g. project s logo or presentation template) and to spread the project s current achievements and updates (e.g. leaflet, web site). Dissemination activities particular actions aiming to disseminate information on the project, e.g. participating in conferences or seminars, publishing articles or press releases. The table below includes short descriptions of dissemination materials that have been realized and activities that have been undertaken. The material is described in detail in the next sections. D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Pagina 8

Table 2 Purpose of UDLNET dissemination means Input needed from partners : Dissemination means Project logo Purpose Branding, creating awareness, drawing attention, being recognised and associated with the project; Status : the logo has been created and has been used on websites, leaflets, social media, presentation and online courses. Project web site Hosting all publicly available information of the project along with a private area for project management purposes: Status : The website has been realized and is available via : http://www.udlnet- project.eu/ Leaflet Promoting current project s achievements, giving key issues related to the project, raising the interest among target groups, encouraging to participate in events related to UDLNET : Status : The leaflet has been produced in English and has been translated into German, Dutch, Finnish, Greek and Spanish. Besides the leaflet version there is also a booklet version with the look- and- feel of the UDLnet logo. Presentation template Promoting visibility and awareness of the project through a common way of delivering the project s information, progress and results. Status : Presentation template has been created and has been used in Powerpoint presentations during conferences and workshops. Newsletters Announcing the project s results to selected target groups, updating knowledge about the current stage of the project s achievements??? Press releases Spreading the latest information (especially useful during the courses lay out)???? Articles Obtain visibility among research communities and target groups Status : Conferences / seminars/workshops Spreading knowledge among both research communities and target groups depending on the event scope and type Status : In the first year of the project UDLnet has been represented at a.o. The Fiesta conference in Barcelona, The UDLnet conference in Nicosia, the Linq conference in Brussels. D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Pagina 9

For more detailed information see the spreadsheet: Social media Spreading information, sharing opinions, getting feedback, joining discussions Status : Special UDLNet pages have been created on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, ScoopIt, Pinterest, Open Discovery Space and MySchoolsNetwork: https://www.facebook.com/udlnet https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=350862051&trk=spm_pic https://twitter.com/udlneteu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9whnbnlmvo (this a film documentary about UDL that was produced by the Dutch organization Study and Handicap in close collaboration with UDLnet partner NHL University of Applied Sciences) http://www.scoop.it/u/udlnet https://www.pinterest.com/udlneteu/ http://portal.opendiscoveryspace.eu/community/udlnet- universal- design- learning- framework- addressing- learner- variability- 669613 http://www.myschoolsnetwork.com/projects/udl- on- the- fly http://www.myschoolsnetwork.com/projects/udlnet- nederland D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Pagina 10

3.1 Dissemination materials Below dissemination material that has been produced in the first 13 months of the project will be described in more detail. The dissemination material may be grouped in two groups: Permanent material which will not be re- issued in the project period: the project logo and presentation template; Changeable material which will be updated and developed within the project s duration (e.g. the project s web site/learning platform, whose content will be systematically extended and updated) or even totally changes with new versions related to particular project s achievements (e.g. leaflet). 3.1.1 Project logo The main aim of the project logo is to create easy recognition, awareness of UDLnet and attracting the attention of potential target groups. 3.1.2 Websites The official UDLnet website has been launched : http://www.udlnet- project.eu/ The UDLNET website is a main part of the project dissemination.. The web site at this point contains: - Information about the project and project s partners; - News and information about different national and international UDL events; - Discussion room for establishing a UDL community in Europe - Links to various UDLnet social media pages The UDLnet consortium uses BSCW for closed communication purposes. D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Pagina 11

3.1.3 Leaflet The initial leaflet has been produced in 6 languages and in two versions : one to be distributed during conferences, fairs etc., the other one in the form of a booklet to be used as the basis for workshops and courses on udl. The leaflet form is consistent with the project logo colours and character. 3.1.4 Presentation template The UDLnet presentation template consists of a title- page template and normal page template. The title- page template involves: project s logo and title, logo of the Lifelong Learning Programme, space for the presentation title, name of presenter, the meeting date and place. The second template contains small logos in the top left- hand corner, space for the slide title and colour- adjusted bullets. 3.2 Dissemination activities From here major input from partners required According to D 6.1 : In order to organise successful dissemination, all partners of the consortium shall participate in the dissemination activities. With regard to that assumption the main dissemination activities will be undertaken in the origin countries of consortium partners, namely: Greece, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Finland and the Netherlands. Additionally some other dissemination activities and channels will be provided in other countries In the second context mainly participation in carefully selected international events shall be taken into consideration to enable wide propagation of UDLnet. The second group includes also publications (journals) which cannot be geographically categorised. The Dissemination Plan will contain recommendations of particular activities and events, but the decision will always be made by the whole consortium. The particular responsibilities of the UDLnet consortium, related to the dissemination will include following tasks: - Distribution of UDLnet newsletters; - Press releases; - Community building - Participation in events (conferences, seminars, fairs, etc); - Articles publications (conference proceedings or journals); - Building a strong and effective internet presence; D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Pagina 12

- Keeping contacts with other LLP projects. In order to realise all planned activities relevant events, journals, media channels, contacts, etc. must be identified, and afterwards the most suitable ones (according to projects characteristics and also dissemination budget) will be recommended. 3.2.1 Newsletters Input from partners esp. EA From 6.1 : Considering the newsletter definition, it is a regularly distributed publication about a particular topic which is of specific interest to receivers. Thus in context of UDLnet project, thematic newsletter might be distributed several times in order to notify about the project s progress. In that case the target of the newsletters shall be carefully selected to distribute the particular pieces of information to really interested people. In that context there are two possibilities of searching for relevant newsletters targets: - reaching newsletter receivers via the project s website and arranging a subscription mechanism; - using relationships and contact networks of consortium partners to distribute newsletters. 3.2.2 Press releases Press release is a written or recorded short communication spread via a particular media channel in order to announce something claimed as having news value. Depending on the media channel the release might be concentrated on spreading news related to the particular topic (news release, which is compilation of facts, then developed by journalists to complete the short story ), or it might be concentrated on expressing opinion (for example to highlight an important event). Depending on topics and project s progress both types of press releases might be used. In order to provide press release relevant media channels shall be identified and then selected according to their best suitability to the project s needs. In the case of UDLNET project all possibilities of publicising a short release will be named press releases independently of the media type. A list of the possible media channels will be made by the project consortium at the beginning of the project, on the basis of an online survey (Appendix A) To be completed by partners 3.2.3 Participation in events The UDLnet project shall be effectively presented within relevant conferences, seminars, workshops, fairs, etc., which will be thematically related to the project s scope. The main goal of this participation is to raise awareness of the project among different target groups as much as possible. Within such events the UDLnet project shall be promoted and current progress shall be reported. The presentations shall be concentrated on the area of interest of event participants. The project shall be present both in research conferences and national events addressed to target groups. D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Pagina 13

Recommendations: - The UDLNET project shall be presented on at least one event on European level, related to the project theme; - The project main outcomes (methodology and good practices) shall be presented within some national events, mainly in countries where good practices have been identified and where the consortium is going to attract special interest of schools and institutions (academic, special ed, special needs) - The consortium shall examine the possibility of a UDLnet workshop to be organised within any conference in the first, second and third year of the project; - Within conferences mainly specific results shall be presented and disseminated, presented content shall be adjusted to the event target. To be completed by partners 3.2.4 Articles (UDLNET consortium plans to promote the project results through papers, articles and publications on specialised newspapers and journals (academic and popular). The objective is on the one hand to obtain a great visibility among research communities and target groups (avoiding wasting resources disseminating the project through not- specialised press communications), and on the other hand, it is to inform and reach research communities and experts in the targeted sectors through scientific journals. In the beginning of the project, a list of such publications will be made by the consortium (appendix A)) To be completed by partners 3.2.5 Internet and Social Media One of the project s internet presences consists of the project website, which will promote its developments, as well as a restricted website that is used as a resource inventory. Moreover, the project partners will also promote the project through their own websites. They will insert announcements regarding the project to their corporate or organisation websites, as additional means of dissemination for the project. Following the consortium dissemination plan, such announcements shall follow up the progress of the work in the project, shall be regularly updated and make the project visible to a broad audience. Another way of Internet presence is exploring the potential of social networking websites like Facebook, Twitter, ScoopIt, MySchoolsNetwork, ODS, Website Enable Ireland, YouTube and LinkedIn by spreading information and news among consortium partners connections and by creating new groups. D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Pagina 14

3.2.6 Contact with other projects and networks From 6.1 :The project partners intend to create and maintain contacts with other LLP projects in order to share experiences and help each other diffuse awareness and results. Joint activities could include: - cross- referencing other projects websites. In this way the visitors of a project website could be easily directed to other similar projects co- funded by LLP, and find out about projects they were not previously aware of; - distributing promotional material to other projects events. Through such cooperation, distribution of leaflets and promotion of the project is easily multiplied with minimum effort and without any additional costs. Moreover, it provides the opportunity to disseminate to events that none of the partners is present and to countries outside the consortium. a. Cross- referencing with other LLP projects: - UDLnet s second face- to- face meeting was planned to coincide with the final Fiesta conference in Barcelona (http://www.fiesta- project.eu/conferences/fiesta- conference- 2014- barcelona- spain), where a UDL presentation and a UDL workshop took place. In addition all participants in the conference receive the UDLnet leaflet in Englsih or in Spanish. - Linq conference in Brussels (http://2015.learning- innovations.eu/) where UDL was presented. - more input from b. c. D6.5 Dissemination Report year 1 Pagina 15