How do I create an inclusive online-class?
We recommend generally, not to reduce online teaching to videoconferencing via Zoom. Especially with regards to inclusion, asynchronous teaching methods and materials have more to offer.
Our general recommendations for inclusive online-classes:
- If possible, please ask your students up front who needs what in order to participate in your course. Give your students the possibility to let you know their needs privately and confidentially.
- Put all learning materials online (recorded lectures, videos, texts, presentations etc.) and make sure they are accessible at least until the final exams and second-chance exams are over
- Hand out all necessary materials to students with lots of time before hosting a video conference, so students with disabilities have the possiblity to let their assistance software run over the materials
- Start video conferences ahead of time to give students the possibility to check their computer settings, microfone settings, font sizes etc.
- Invite students to reach out to you if they need help. Give them clear details on how to contact you (via e-mail, phone, chat etc.)
We have put together some recommendations for creating inclusive online classes based on the needs of specific groups. Please check the individual questions for this.
For more information, please also check out HU’s Styleguide on how to create inclusive online-content.