Creating a Warm, Inclusive Online Environment Without a Magic Wand

“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color .” ( Maya Angelou )

Across the country, there are many classrooms with students from different nationalities, cultures, beliefs, and mindsets who may feel invisible to their instructor or peers. Now, many students are finding themselves in a new land – the online environment. Instructors have a golden opportunity to set the stage for success by creating a culturally diverse setting. When students feel safe in a positive, engaging environment, learning will flourish.   This presentation introduces three strategies instructors can use to create a culturally diverse online environment without a magic wand. 

Essie Childers is a professor of Student Success at Blinn College. She has been teaching for over 30 years and developed the first online Learning Frameworks course at Blinn. Essie has presented webinars across the United States on becoming a culturally responsive teacher and many other higher education topics.