Safe and inclusive online learning 

Inclusive pedagogy:

Although there is a separate module on inclusive teaching, as a reminder it is worth repeating what inclusive pedagogy is. Inclusive teaching focuses on two dimensions:

1) strategies to create learning environments based on the values and skills of inclusive communication;

2) reflective strategies to address challenges that might occur in diverse classrooms. 

Educators practicing inclusive pedagogy recognize diversity as an added value for learning. To that end, they establish ground rules of respectful communication, debate, and conflict solving in class. They also design assessment strategies to reward inclusive behaviors among students. How can inclusive pedagogy be practiced online?

 

Safe and inclusive online learning environment: 

According to Andrea Dominigue (2016), for inclusive teaching practices online, instructors must consider the following elements:

1) student demographics,

2) learning formats, and

3) accommodations.

These elements highlight the unique structure of online education and invite instructors to deliberately plan their classes to not only facilitate participation from students, but also create an environment that is comfortable for every student to intellectually engage in any topic of discussion. Considering the potentially wide diversity of students in an online class, their needs and experiences will also greatly vary. Consequently, online discussion may generate conflicts and certain topics may be sensitive, and any arising conflicts will have to be managed by the instructor.

 

Works cited:

Dominigue, A. D. (2016). Online and blended pedagogy in social justice education. In M. Adams & L. A. Bell (Eds.), Teaching for diversity and social justice (3rd ed.) (pp. 369- 396). New York, NY: Routledge.