Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles in the Teaching of Multi-Agent Systems
Abstract
This article presents a case study on the application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in the Multiagent Systems (MAS) course, part of the Information Systems undergraduate program at a public higher education institution in Brazil. The initiative is part of a teaching project aimed at developing more accessible and inclusive pedagogical strategies, aligned with the diverse profiles of students. Using the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, a lesson plan and teaching materials were created based on the three core principles of UDL: multiple means of representation, action/expression, and engagement. Although the materials have not yet been tested in a formal classroom setting, they were reviewed by a team of faculty and students and show potential to enhance accessibility and student engagement in conceptually demanding subjects such as MAS. This paper presents the theoretical foundations, the development process of the didactic resources, and reflections on how UDL can support the teaching of complex content such as MAS.
References
Beer, M., Fasli, M., and Richards, D., editors (2011). Multi-Agent Systems for Education and Interactive Entertainment: Design, Use and Experience. IGI Global, Hershey, PA.
CAST – Center for Applied Special Technology (2022). Universal design for learning guidelines version 2.2. [link]. Acesso em: 7 mai. 2025.
Dainez, D. and Smolka, A. L. B. (2014). O conceito de compensação no diálogo de vigotski com adler: desenvolvimento humano, educação e deficiência. Educação e Pesquisa, 40(4):1093–1108.
Dresch, A., Lacerda, D. P., and Antunes Júnior, J. A. V. (2015). Design Science Research: Método de Pesquisa para Avanço da Ciência e Tecnologia. Bookman Editora, Porto Alegre.
Hevner, A. R. (2007). A three cycle view of design science research. Scandinavian Journal of Information Systems, 19(2):87–92.
Hitchcock, C., Meyer, A., Rose, D., and Jackson, R. (2002). Providing new access to the general curriculum: Universal design for learning. Teaching Exceptional Children, 35(2):8–17.
Mendoza, B. and Gonçalves, A. (2023). Estruturação de planos de aula com princípios do desenho universal para a aprendizagem (dua): contribuição para a educação inclusiva. Educação: Teoria e Prática, 33(66):e31.
Pino, A. (2000). O social e o cultural na obra de lev s. vigotski. Educação e Sociedade, 21(71):45–78.
Pletsch, M. D. (2017). Diferença, deficiência e desigualdade: desafios para a educação inclusiva. Educação & Sociedade, 38(140):727–745.
Vigotski, L. S. (2011). A defectologia e o estudo do desenvolvimento e da educação da criança anormal. Educação e Pesquisa, 37(4):863–869.
Wazlawick, R. S. (2020). Metodologia de Pesquisa para Ciência da Computação. GEN LTC, Rio de Janeiro, 3 edition.
