Advocate for Equitable Experiences

 

For online education to be truly impactful, effective online educators must go beyond simply delivering content. They need to cultivate a learning environment that ensures psychological safety, fosters inclusivity, and diversity, fosters inclusivity, and embraces diversity.

1. Cultivating Psychological Safety

Psychologically safe spaces allow learners to take risks, make mistakes, and fully engage without fear of judgment or repercussions. Educators' modeling of openness and use of inclusive language create safe spaces where learners feel comfortable sharing their own identities and beliefs.

• Connect with students on a personal level by creating get to know you forms or icebreaker activities.

• Actively involve students in the process of building a community agreement together.

• Enforce norms in classroom language that help all learners feel safe.

2. Fostering Inclusivity and Belonging

Inclusive teaching strategies engage ALL learners regardless of individual background, personality, learning style, and ability. Educators who recognize their own biases are more likely to include learning activities that hold space for all learners, identities, and beliefs.

• Learn to pronounce student’s names correctly, and use their personal pronouns.

• Allow anonymous participation.

• Add structure to small group discussions. For example, assign and rotate roles and provide clear instructions in the Chat or screen share.

3. Celebrating Diversity  

Diversity encompasses race, ethnicity, gender identity, ability, religion, and so much more. Culturally responsive teaching strategies empower learners to bring their diverse perspectives and lived experiences into the learning environment.

• Use examples of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

• Encourage students to share experiences from their geographies and cultures.

• Acknowledge hard times during cultural or political unrest, and practice empathy in your response. 

By prioritizing psychological safety, inclusivity and celebrating diversity, effective online educators can create rich learning communities where all students feel valued and can engage fully.