Networking Coffee Break: Coffee Talk with O'Donnell Learn - Equity And Inclusion: What Are You Doing And How Are You Doing It?

Brief Abstract
The shift to emergency remote instruction in the Spring of 2020 exposed how we place too many students on the wrong side of the digital divide. It is imperative we implement teaching strategies and learning solutions that promote access, inclusivity, and sense of belonging. Let’s discuss.
Presenters


Extended Abstract
With the continued shift to online course delivery, there needs to be critical examination of how we ensure that courses, resources, and experiences are developed and delivered in an inclusive manner, yielding an experience as equitable as possible across a wide range of student variables. The emergency remote instruction of Spring 2020 exposed ways in which institutions or instructors placed more students on the wrong side of the digital divide. While some students had affordances such as extra rooms at home (or vacation homes!) to attend classes remotely, others were forced into environments that were very unstable, lacked a dedicated computer and broadband, and, given COVID-19, were not entirely safe. Many in the latter group either lost jobs or had to risk exposure as essential workers. In addition, the rapid remote instruction response also led to much greater instances of online course materials not being accessible, further marginalizing those students with disabilities or otherwise needing materials in an alternate format.
Participants in this session will:
- Obtain greater understanding and empathy for ways in which rapid scaling to online instruction can exacerbate inequities in teaching-learning scenarios
- Engage in dialog related to the main issues instructors and their students face, and solutions toward minimizing inequity in the learning process