Dialogue in Online Learning Spaces: How Transitioning to Online Learning during a Pandemic Impacts Critical Classroom Dialogue and Inclusivity
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Abstract
The sudden shift to online learning because of COVID-19 created a series of challenges for educators. Faculty took a “triage” approach to reformatting their courses quickly. And while this was a necessary approach for many reasons, you couldn’t help but wonder what students would be missing. As a Communication Studies professor, dialogue is an essential tool I use in the classroom. Effective dialogue can lead to a greater acceptance of diverse thought and individuals, as well as less divisiveness and intolerance. So, when the pandemic forced us to switch to online learning, the biggest question I had was: How do we maintain effective classroom dialogue in online learning spaces? This reflective essay seeks to answer this question in real-time, as I simultaneously prepare to teach at least another year of online courses. I explore the importance of dialogue in the classroom, how dialogue can be a conduit of inclusivity, why we should strive for inclusivity in our classrooms, and finally, how we translate these lessons to the online classroom. My hope is that this piece will help further this conversation and act as a resource for maintaining effective dialogue in every type of classroom.
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