Book Bytes: Creating Inclusive Online Communities

January 13, 2023 / Digital Learning / Tags: Online Courses, Diversity, Vlog, Book Bytes

Berry, S. (2022). Creating inclusive online communities: Practices that support and engage diverse students. Stylus Publishing.

Title

Creating inclusive online communities: Practices that support and engage diverse students

What is the topic?

Practices that support and engage diverse students in online courses (synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid).

Why is the topic important?

Institutions of higher education are increasingly more diverse--racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically--with present and future students having a range of intersectional needs related to their cultural backgrounds, gendered experiences, and abilities. Sharla Berry offers faculty practical strategies for building asynchronous, synchronous, and blended online courses and programs that are inclusive and engaging for diverse learners.

Who can use this information?

- Online instructors/faculty
- Instructional Designers

Top three takeaways

1. 1. Define community in your online course.
    - What does it look like, feel like, sound like?
    - What design and pedagogical actions do you need to take?
    - What actions do students need to take?
    - How will you know when you have it?
  2. Be purposeful about your choice of delivery format.
    - Know the strengths and weaknesses of the three delivery formats
    - Know your students
    - Know yourself as an instructor
  3. Continuously examine course materials, procedures, and expectations for bias and equity.