Facilitating Inclusive, Equitable, Welcoming Online Learning

Many have feared that the the rapid shift to fully online instruction at universities caused by COVID-19 – and the concomitant transition for most students to home-based learning – would deepen existing inequalities and achievement gaps for disadvantaged and minority students. Unfortunately, a survey of nearly 6000 students at our institution indicates that first-generation and/or low income (FLI) and underrepresented minority (URM) students have been disproportionately negatively impacted by the shift to online learning (Stanford Spring Survey, 2020). Recent national surveys of college students have found similar results. While some of these discrepancies can be attributed to lack of access to basic resources (e.g., internet connectivity, adequate location for quiet study), research suggests that the design of online learning environments can ameliorate participation and achievement gaps for FLI and URM students (Kizilcec, Saltarelli, et al. 2017; Kizilcec & Saltarelli, 2019).

Whether students feel welcome and like they belong in learning environments has a direct affect on educational processes and outcomes (e.g., memory, persistence, motivation). Further, feelings of non-belonging have been shown to contribute to educational gaps for underrepresented students (Harackiewicz et al., 2014; Taylor & Walton, 2011). Even subtle cues in the learning environment can affect whether students feel welcome, and this is particularly true in online learning environments where contextual cues and social interaction may be less than in face-to-face environments. Thus, we have developed the CARE framework that outlines five approaches for designing online learning environments that are more welcoming to traditionally marginalized students: community, agency, representation, equal access, and pedagogies of care.     

In this webinar, attendees will:

Register online via OLC. There is no cost to attend.