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Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to designing effective online learning. The Statement of Shared Values applies to the entire Boise State University community whether learning on campus or online. The eCampus Center created tools to assist in the design of inclusive online courses. The information below is a guide to getting started with links to more tools to expand your inclusive course design. |
How to Design Inclusive Online Learning
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Drawing on a wide variety of expertise, an Inclusive Course Design Checklist has been created to guide design strategies in four areas. The full checklist is meant to feed discussion among faculty and instructional designers for a thoughtful approach to inclusive design. Here, you will find a selection of elements from the full checklist to take the first steps to improving inclusive design in your online courses. It is unlikely that a course will be able to meet all elements in the initial design. The intent is to continuously revisit your design over time.
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Wherever possible, include the perspectives of minority groups, different religions and nationalities, disabled people, and people of different gender identities in course topics.
Choose readings that deliberately reflect the diversity of contributors to the field.
Check to see whether pictures, photographs, illustrations, and other visual materials include people of different identities (e.g., races, genders, disabilities, ages, religions, and ethnicities).
Use varied names and socio-cultural contexts in test questions, assignments, and case studies.
Use a variety of various teaching methods and modalities (verbal, visual, interactive, didactic, etc.) rather than relying on one mode of engagement.
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Early in the course, invite and engage students to co-construct class norms (i.e., ground rules) using principles of inclusive environments.
Create a learning community by offering ample opportunities for students to learn about each other and from each other.
Use an interfaith calendar when scheduling major projects, exams, assignments, and presentations and allow students flexibility if there are schedule conflicts.
Explain the value of collaboration for learning. Speak of students’ diverse perspectives as an asset.
Be aware of possible student anxiety about their performance in a competitive classroom environment. All students—including those whose personal or cultural histories may include being a target of stereotypes and discrimination—need clear standards and evaluation criteria , and straightforward comments on their work.
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When writing course content, instructions, assignments, and module introductions, follow the recommendations outlined in the Inclusive Excellence Communication Guide.
Pronoun use Pronouns used throughout the course should use the pronoun “they.” Use gender-neutral language in lectures, presentations, assignments, and exams. Be aware of the gender used in examples.
Use inclusive language (“everyone” vs. “you guys,” “humankind” vs. “mankind,” etc.)
Avoid referencing pop culture without providing sufficient orienting context.
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