Re-Examining Online Learning Practices Now and Beyond

Abstract

Educators need to support all students' learning needs to provide equitable access to online learning. During the COVID-19 crisis, the abrupt and unplanned shift to online learning did not support the learning of all students. This was a challenge, but it was also a valuable learning experience for a better future. With proper planning, educators can provide all students with high-quality online learning experiences when the delivery of knowledge is challenged. This chapter discusses how the community of inquiry enhances the quality of online learning while also promotes inclusivity. There are multiple approaches to examining strategies that support diversity, equity, and inclusivity in online environments. Universal design for learning principles are considered in relation to the literature on inclusive and accessible teaching and learning for a broader range of students with and without disabilities. The chapter concludes by envisioning what online learning might look like in the future.