Designing Online Courses for Diverse Communities of Learners Jill Jan. 21, 2014

Why Do I Care?

Are online students different? Possible generalities – Older – Working full-time – Have a family – Self-starters – Comfortable w/tech Possible concerns – Tough setting aside time – Dependent on fallible tech – Lack of cultural clues – Time zone differences – Need to be present

Two Areas of Consideration Regional / ethnic cultural context Information in different formats

Regional / Ethnic Cultural Context Easier for students to attend distant program. Will not have the same language skills or cultural context. Need to teach to a global – not local – audience.

Recommendations: Instruction Explain. Explain. Explain. Eliminate colloquial language, jargon & acronyms. With video and audio, be aware of your pace. – Include text, so students can read and hear. Use non-”your region of the world” examples.

Recommendations: Communication Ask students to introduce themselves. – Model what you want them to do. – Audio? Video? Photos? Create discussions where all can participate. Check-in with students using other communication methods.

Information in Different Formats Different learning styles Hearing vs. seeing vs. doing Use handouts Allow your materials to be downloaded Be more than a “talking head” Challenge yourself!

Keep in Mind…

Make the course structure obvious

Jill Hurst-Wahl Director, LIS and School Media Programs (315)