Special Educational Needs: Inclusive Learning Design for the Few Can Also Benefit the Many

Date: 1 June 2026 (Mon) Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm Venue: Zoom (online-only) Speaker(s): Prof. Diana Laurillard , Emeritus Professor, UCL Knowledge Lab, University College London Chair by: Prof. Nancy Law, Faculty of Education, HKU Abstract: The talk will focus on the argument that when education designs for the inclusion of specific diverse groups we benefit not just them, but many others in the mainstream as well. The examples discussed include audio versions of study texts, maths games for people who are dyscalculia (a developmental brain disorder for number sense), and online asynchronous communication for many types of diversity. It outlines some general principles for learning design that we can derive from such instances, and concludes with a general learning design methodology for inclusive design. About the speaker(s): Diana Laurillard is Professor Emerita of Learning with Digital Technology at UCL Knowledge Lab, University College London, currently: investigating the impact of ‘co-designed massive open online collaborations’ (Co-MOOCs) to address the UNSDGs through large-scale professional development courses (CGHE, Oxford-UCL, ProCol, UCL-IGP); further developing the Learning Designer tool for teachers in all sectors. Formerly: Head, e-Learning Strategy Unit, Department for Education and Skills (2002-05), developing the UK’s first cross-sector strategy ‘Harnessing Technology: Transforming Learning and Children’s Services’; Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning Technology and Teaching, Open University (1995-2002). Other positions: Thinker in Residence, Royal Flemish Academy of Sciences & Arts, Brussels; Vice Chair, Chair, President of the Association for Learning Technology; Governing Board of UNESCO Institute for IT in Education, Moscow; Visiting Committee on IT, Harvard University. Books: Rethinking University Teaching (2002), Routledge; Teaching as a Design Science (2012), Routledge; Online Learning Futures: An Evidence Based Vision for Global Professional Collaboration on Sustainability (2023), Bloomsbury.