1. Building Diverse & Inclusive Online Courses By Lois Truman ltruman@ivytech.edu

2. Part 1 Unique Issues for Online Courses Part 1 Unique Issues for Online Courses

3. Group dynamics (invisible participants)  Learning Style Awareness Visual, Auditory, and Verbal Learners all share cyber world! Visual, Auditory, and Verbal Learners all share cyber world! HOW can these styles be incorporated into ONLINE courses? HOW can these styles be incorporated into ONLINE courses? Where do instructor preferences and student styles intersect? Where do instructor preferences and student styles intersect?

4. Time taken for students and instructors …  TRADITIONAL: 20 students, time frame of several hours, one question, 5 responses, 20 listening ears  ONLINE: 20 students, one question, time frame of several days, 60 responses (3 responses each), is anyone really listening?

5. No body language  Physical appearance is not obvious.  No way to detect trauma, illness, or other non-verbal conditions that impact learning.  How can these issues be communicated without being invasive, rude, or awkward?

6. Technology (outages, compatibility, viruses)  “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Many technology issues can be easily solved with access to proper resources.  Clearly list ways to access to resources.

7. Becoming familiar with what each student brings to the class  “I ain’t got no ideal how to work this here computer!” The student who lives in fear of technology and grammar…  “This curriculum doesn’t portray my ancestors in a very positive light!” The student with a chip on the shoulder…  “When I train people on my job to do this task we don’t have this much confusion!” The student who knows it all already…

8. Part 2 Self Reflection for the Online Instructor…

9. Diversity Consciousness Should a teacher’s philosophy and style change for online courses? Should a teacher’s philosophy and style change for online courses? Where is the balance between changing the instructor’s teaching style and the student’s learning style? Where is the balance between changing the instructor’s teaching style and the student’s learning style? Are multiple types of assignments offered?

10. Professionalism How am I reacting to pedagogy online? Diversity awareness begins with self and extends to how we interact with others. Integrity? Fairness? Respect for others?