Inclusive Hospitality in Online Learning: Design, Deliver, and Discover

Online learning is often criticized for being impersonal and distant; inclusive hospitality is intended to counter these arguments by creating a learning environment that is welcoming, safe, and engaging. This begins with using course design principles that provide a course that is easy to navigate, and provides opportunities for interaction, relationship building, and active learning. Faculty, however, also play a key role in creating this platform for learning. Faculty teaching in an inclusive and hospitable manner are themselves teachable, empathetic, available, and consistent. This book provides a path and set of tools for faculty to welcome, encourage, and instruct their students in a powerful and transformative manner. It encourages them to consider how they might provide their students with the opportunity to be valued as individuals, as well as masters the content of their academic disciplines.

Brad Garner serves as Digital Learning Scholar in Residence at Indiana Wesleyan University, USA. Before moving into higher education, his career was focused on program and faculty development in K-12 public school settings, where he worked as a classroom teacher, school psychologist, and administrator. His most recent research activity has focused on the use of digital technology to promote learning. Garner is a frequent presenter at conferences and workshops and has authored several publications, including Engaged Learners and Digital Citizens (2016) and Teaching Students to Become Digital Content Curators (2019). Brad is the co-host of the “Digital to Learn” podcast.