The term 'diversity' encompasses differences of culture, background, and experience among individuals and groups. Such differences are evident in race, ethnicity, disabiities, national origin, languages, color, gender, social orieintation, age, veteran status, socioeconomic status, political, spiritual and philosophical faith or affiliation. Using this definition of diversity, we look within the context of an online course and ask the following questions: How does one begin to understand differences with the absence of social cues familiar to traditional classroom experience? Further, how do computer-mediated tools facilitate the intercultural interaction required to create and sustain understanding of student differences?
Questions about how we begin to understand differences in an online course when there is an absence of social cues famiiar in traditional classrooms lead us to explore the literature surrounding accessibility and universal design. Related topics include intercultural communication, invisible disabilities, and global implications. In this presentation, participants will be introduced to some of the current literature that should be informing us about how we integrate innovation while addressing barriers in online course design.
Presenters are Sipia Klein and Sharon Lalla
