Eighteenth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

In both the synchronous and asynchronous settings, course design and facilitation that focuses on enhancing inclusive educational experiences must consider that diversity is defined by the participants of the shared learning environment. This type of inclusive learning environment can create deep, meaningful, and transformative learning experiences for each student. Inclusivity means that one must consider the role of culture, space, and place in creating a community of learners. In this discussion, factors such as diversity of thought, culture, background, knowledge, opinion, and personal and professional experience are necessary when designing and facilitating for inclusion. For example, the role of culture is often neglected in regards to teaching and learning. Different geographic areas throughout the country set the demographic backdrop for diverse cultures and societies. In this paper we discuss the importance of culture and place as an additional factor to be considered when designing and facilitating learning. Furthermore, we will deliberate tools and resources used to offer a varied platform for students and instructors to focus on an array of pertinent issues to be used in both the in-person and the online driven pedagogy models. Different students possess varying learning styles so here we try to account for this diversity in learning through employing multi-modal teaching approaches. Overall, this approach of integrating diversity in the framework of the curriculum leads to educational and social outcomes that further support the students’ professional development as a global citizen.