Saturday 7th August 2021, eKitabu team trained 27 teachers in Nairobi from 10 different schools in mainstream and special needs in Kenya to address the gap in accessing content by applying the three Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to advance inclusive learning. eKitabu developed a UDL manual that was used as the main learning material during the training. Post training, the teachers will continue to receive support in implementing the lessons learnt. The three UDL principles included:

• The use of multiple means of engagement to recruit and sustain learners interest
• The use of multiple means of representation to convey knowledge in accessible forms
• The use of multiple means of action and expression to help learners internalize and actualize their learning

The objectives of the training

• Building confidence of teachers to integrate accessible digital content in their lessons
• Guide teachers on how to create lesson plans that incorporate UDL principles
• Work with the teachers to identify ways of integrating digital literacy in the their classroom timetable

We also used digital games such as Kahoot, menti.com as well as pre- and post-training surveys to identify learning gaps and capture trainees’ levels of satisfaction with the training. Participants were also provided with a training handout prepared by ekitabu. The hand out proved to be an important tool for engaging the participants during the training and taking home as a reference document. “I am happy that I attended the teacher training session and learned that an inclusive school is where we have all learners of various abilities learning together in the same classroom.” Ruth Samoei, Kapkoros Fam Primary School, Uasin Gishu County.“UDL helps teachers build accessibility for all learners right from the start, hence a vital vehicle toward achieving the goals of inclusive education. We are glad many teachers attended the training.” Leah Nguata, Research and Training Manager, eKitabu.For more informationeKitabu plans for more training sessions in the coming months and you can find out more by contacting support@ekitabu.comAbout Universal Design for Learning (UDL)UDL is a theoretical framework that focuses on assisting teachers in planning to meet students’ diverse needs. It guides the development of flexible learning environments and learning spaces that can accommodate individual learning differences. According to learning styles theories, students have diverse needs and learning preferences. Nevertheless, the general curriculum treats them as a homogenous group. UDL, thus utilizes multiple approaches to engage learners in the learning process. Through the use of hands-on examples using the KaiOS, DLP, and laptop devices, eKitabu trained the teachers on how to apply the three Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to advance inclusive learning.The UDL teacher training program is part of the Africa Publishing Innovation Fund (APIF) project, a four-year, USD 800,000 fund provided by Dubai Cares, a UAE-based global philanthropic organization, and administered by the IPA. The decision was to incentivize learning innovations to help African students pursue their education following the confinement measures imposed worldwide in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Around 190 countries had to close schools and universities, affecting more than 1.5 billion school-aged children – around 90% of the world’s student population.