I really hope that there will be some discussion about our curriculum in the coming months, and I don't just mean the online curriculum: I mean all the classes. The kinds of equity issues presented in this rubric are important for online classes in particular, but as you can see below it is first and foremost a rubric about just teaching.
Of special use for my purposes here is the accompanying bibliography: so much good stuff to read here!
I'll paste in here the "aligned" column of the rubric (the rubric also includes additional exemplary elements). In a separate post I'll reflect on some of the strategies I use to address these important goals in my classes.
E1: Technology. All technology required for the course is listed and described in the course syllabus; each technology is listed in the learning unit that requires it; and resources for technology help are provided where appropriate.
E2: Student Resources and Support. Syllabus outlines student support and well-being services in, at least, these areas:
a) general student assistance,
b) online academic supports;
c) assistance with using technology;
d) health and well-being resources; and/or
e) resources for students with disabilities.
E3: Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Course content and activities are aligned with core principles of UDL--i.e., multiple means of representation, action and expression, and/or engagement.
E4: Diversity and Inclusion. Diversity is explicitly valued in a diversity statement in the course syllabus, and at least 3 course activities require students to analyze course content from multiple perspectives.
E5: Images and Representation. Images and representations are diverse, and/or the instructor acknowledges the lack of diversity and provides a platform for discussion around representations and stereotypes.
E6: Human Bias. Human biases are acknowledged, and instructor provides information about how to address and handle different types of bias in the class.
E7: Content Meaning. At least three course activities require students to connect course content to their own lives and/or reflect on course content is relevant to their futures.
E8: Connection and Belonging. Course communications and activities foster personal connections among students, and demonstrate the instructor cares about each unique student’s participation and success in the class.
