Using Diverse Resources to Promote Equity in Online Courses
Why Are Diverse Resources So Important?
Learners from historically marginalized identity groups frequently feel invisible or excluded in face-to-face and online classrooms. Online courses can increase these feelings of isolation because there are fewer opportunities to create personal connections with the course instructor and peers. This is often true for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and female learners as well as students with disabilities, former foster youth, formerly incarcerated persons, and students experiencing food and housing insecurity, among others.
One of the most effective ways to foster community and equity in an online course is by incorporating diverse resources. Providing opportunities for students to see themselves in the course materials contributes to learners’ academic success and well-being.
Below are suggestions and resources for incorporating diverse resources and promoting equity in your SUNY Online course. The SUNY Online ID team would be happy to meet and discuss implementing these recommendations in a course. Visit Request ID Support and complete the Google form to schedule a one-on-one meeting with a SUNYO ID.