MAKING ONLINE COURSE MORE INCLUSIVE

COVID-19 is changing the way we learn as events, workshops and meetings move online. While participants may appear equal on screen, there are various factors, both individual and structural, preventing people from accessing, participating in and benefiting equally from online events. Inclusive learning is about responding to the diversity of needs of all learners and reducing obstacles to participation, to ensure that no learner is left behind as we harness the full potential of our learning events. Ultimately the impacts of learning spaces are influenced by how inclusive they are. Trainers and facilitators who fail to consider inclusivity, could risk the effectiveness of their events as well as potentially reinforcing inequalities and harmful stereotypes. These tips are for trainers, facilitators and organizations that are transitioning their events online. They aim to mainstream inclusivity across all aspects of design and implementation to make online (and offline) events more inclusive, effective and impactful.