Bridging the Gap: The Positive Relationship Between Inclusive Design and Student Achievement in Online Courses

• In Event: Beyond the Classroom: Pedagogy, Equity, and Responsive Teaching in Higher Education

Abstract

As the prevalence of online learning continues to increase in institutions of higher education, research devoted to understanding how online environments can foster student success is warranted. For this study, online course Canvas shells at one large public four-year university were examined and scored for inclusive design. Findings indicate that inclusive design in online courses is significantly related to course pass rates. Addressing a critical gap in the understanding of online learning effectiveness, these findings equip faculty and higher education leaders with data-driven evidence that underscores how equitable and inclusive online environments contribute to online student success.

Authors

• Amanda Blakewood Pascale, University of North Florida

• Suzanne M. Ehrlich, University of North Florida