Towards Deep Learning in Online Courses: A Case Study in Cross-Pollinating Universal Design for Learning and Dialogic Teaching

Main Article Content

Professor Qiongli Zhu
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9975-896X
Professor Sarfaroz Niyozov

Abstract

This article presents a case study of an online course that cross-pollinated Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and dialogic teaching to facilitate deep learning. Conceptualized through the UDL framework, dialogue and dialogic teaching, and deep learning, our analysis employs the methods of design-based research and thematic analysis to unpack the pedagogical cross-pollination in facilitating deep learning in a postgraduate course in a virtual setting. In particular, we examine the course goals, major online compositions, instruction and pedagogies, and assessment. We also explore student learning experiences in approaching deep learning by analyzing their postings in the discussion forums. Findings include multiple pedagogical strategies that fostered deep learning in this online course. This study contributes to the growing literature on online teaching and learning, particularly through cross-pollinating UDL and dialogic teaching to facilitate deep learning in higher education.

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How to Cite
Zhu, Q., & Niyozov, S. (2024). Towards Deep Learning in Online Courses: A Case Study in Cross-Pollinating Universal Design for Learning and Dialogic Teaching. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 24(3). https://doi.org/10.14434/josotl.v24i3.35331
Section
Case Studies
Author Biographies

Professor Qiongli Zhu, a:1:{s:5:"en_US";s:17:"Hainan University";}

Qiongli Zhu is an Associate Professor at Hainan University in China and currently a PhD student in Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, the University of Toronto. Her research revolves around online teaching and learning, teacher professional development, and doctoral education.  

Professor Sarfaroz Niyozov, University of Toronto

Dr. Sarfaroz Niyozov is an Interim Associate Dean, Programs and an Associate Professor of Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development as well as of Comparative, International and Development Education at Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, the University of Toronto. Dr. Niyozov has more than 70 publications, which include four co-edited books, one co-authored book, journal articles and book chapters about education in post-Soviet countries, educational reform in developing countries, policy borrowing and lending, and the experiences of teachers working with Muslim students in multicultural classrooms. He has been members of editorial boards, educational societies and has done consulting with Open Society Institute, USAID, European Union, AKDN and IDRC Canada.

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