Artificial Intelligence and Universal Design for Learning: Transforming Teaching and Learning in Adult and Continuing Higher Education

Overview & Synopsis

This article explores the transformative potential of integrating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in adult and continuing higher education. By aligning UDL's principles with GenAI's capabilities in content generation, personalization, and accessibility, adult educators can design uniquely flexible, inclusive, and rigorous learning experiences. We examine practical applications such as AI-generated rubrics, adaptive feedback, and multilingual support, while highlighting concerns around academic integrity, algorithmic bias, and data privacy. The article also addresses the role of professional learning communities (PLCs) in supporting implementation and innovation. Drawing on current scholarship, we argue that UDL offers a strategic framework for the ethical and effective integration of GenAI in adult learning contexts.