Negotiating Learner Differences: Towards Productive Diversity in Learning from Coursera

An investigation of the dimensions of learner diversity: material (class, locale), corporeal (age, race, sex and sexuality, and physical and mental characteristics) and symbolic (culture, language, gender, family, affinity and persona). Examines social-cultural theories of difference, as well as considering alternative responses to these differences in educational settings - ranging from broad, institutional responses to specific pedagogical responses within classes of students. The course also focuses on the application of learning technologies and new media to meet the needs of diverse populations of learners. Its main practical question is, how do we use educational technologies to create learning environments in which learning experiences can be customized and calibrated to meet the precise needs of particular learners? Topics include: universal design for learning, differentiated instruction systems, and adaptive and personalized learning environments.

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Related Resources

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Online resources are available here:

https://newlearningonline.com

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Join our Online Communities!

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https://cgscholar.com/community/community_profiles/new-learning/community_updates

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Take this Course for Credit at the University of Illinois

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This course has the same content and anticipates the same level of contribution by students in the Assessment for Learning course offered to graduate certificate, masters, and doctoral level students in the Learning Design and Leadership Program in the College of Education at the University of Illinois.

Of course, in the nature of MOOCs many people will just want to view the videos and casually join some of the discussions. Some people say that these limited kinds of participation offer evidence that MOOCs suffer from low retention rates. Far from it – we say that any level of engagement is good engagement.

On the other hand, if you would like to take this course for credit at the University of Illinois, you will find more information about our program here:

https://ldlprogram.web.illinois.edu/overview/

And you can apply here:

https://education.illinois.edu/epol/programs-degrees/ldl

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The Learning Design and Leadership Series of MOOCs

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This course is one of a series of eight MOOCs created by Bill Cope and Mary Kalantzis for the Learning Design and Leadership program at the University of Illinois. If you find this MOOC helpful, please join us in others!

e-Learning Ecologies: Innovative Approaches to Teaching and Learning for the Digital Age

https://www.coursera.org/learn/elearning

New Learning: Principles and Patterns of Pedagogy

https://www.coursera.org/learn/newlearning

Assessment for Learning

https://www.coursera.org/learn/assessmentforlearning

Learning, Knowledge, and Human Development

https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-knowledge-human-development

Ubiquitous Learning and Instructional Technologies

https://www.coursera.org/learn/ubiquitouslearning

Negotiating Learner Differences: Towards Productive Diversity in Learning

https://www.coursera.org/learn/learnerdifferences

Literacy Teaching and Learning: Aims, Approaches and Pedagogies

https://www.coursera.org/learn/literacy-teaching-learning

Multimodal Literacies: Communication and Learning in the Era of Digital Media

https://www.coursera.org/learn/multimodal-literacies

What's inside

Syllabus

COURSE ORIENTATION + Learner Differences

This opening module gets participants started in the course, and introduces some key ideas about the social context of learner differences.

Diversity in US Education and Differences in Theory

In this module, we examine some specifics of learner diversity in the US context, then some general concepts in a theory of learner differences.

Should Education be a Right?

In this module, we focus on the US case, first with an historical analysis of the emergence of public education, then with a case study of Asian Americans.

Postcolonial Theory and Education + The Inclusive School

This final module in the course takes an international perspective on issues of social diversity and learning, then addresses the agenda of developing an inclusive education.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops a theory of learner differences that can be applied to educational settings

Taught by two professors recognized for their work in social-cultural theories of difference and inclusive education

Examines social-cultural theories of difference and explores various ways of responding to these differences in educational settings

Covers topics such as universal design for learning, differentiated instruction systems, and adaptive learning environments

Uses multimedia content, such as videos and discussions, to engage learners and provide a variety of learning experiences

Course topics are directly applicable to current educational trends focusing on personalized learning and educational technology

Reviews summary

Valued learning experience

Students largely highlight how beneficial their experience has been in this course. While many thoroughly enjoyed the online format and appreciated the content, some mentioned that the grading system could be improved. The course instructors are also repeatedly praised for their excellent work and influence on the learners.

Students found value in this course.

"I thoroughly enjoyed and loved this class and will continue to grow and teach all the concepts and insights that I have gained."

"The concepts that were introduced were truly enriching and the questions asked helped me grow in so many different ways."

"I am so excited to continue my journey in education and I'm forever grateful to all of the professors who contributed to my growth in any way in this course."

The professors were highly appreciated.

"I would actually be thrilled to study with Mary and Bill at some point in the future - their work truly touched me and I'm hoping to read more of their material on my own time."

A couple students criticized the grading system.

"The course content is very good, but the grading system is massively flawed."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Negotiating Learner Differences: Towards Productive Diversity in Learning with these activities:

Join an e-learning design community or forum and participate in discussions

Show steps

This activity will connect you with other e-learning professionals and give you the opportunity to learn from their experiences and insights.

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Join an e-learning design community or forum.
Introduce yourself and participate in discussions.
Share your own experiences and insights.
Network with other members and learn from their expertise.

Review principles of instructional design

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Understanding instructional design principles is a cornerstone of developing purposeful and targeted e-learning experiences.

Browse courses on Bloom's Taxonomy

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Review key concepts in a textbook or online resource
Identify previous courses or experiences where you applied instructional design strategies

Read 'Learning Design: A Handbook on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education' by Linda Harasim

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of learning design principles and best practices. Reading it will help you to develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations of effective e-learning design.

View Learning Theory and Online Technologies on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
Identify specific design strategies that you can apply to your own e-learning courses.
Discuss the book's ideas with colleagues or classmates.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Explore and review e-learning accessibility design principles

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Research and explore e-learning accessibility best practices to enhance your understanding and practical application of inclusive design principles.

Browse courses on Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

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Research UDL guidelines and standards.
Review case studies of accessible e-learning designs.
Analyze your own course materials for accessibility.
Develop a plan to improve the accessibility of your e-learning materials.

Create and deliver a short e-learning module on a topic of your choice using an e-learning authoring tool

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This hands-on activity will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge of e-learning design principles and best practices in a real-world setting.

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Choose a topic that you are knowledgeable about.
Develop a learning objective for your module.
Select an appropriate e-learning authoring tool.
Design and develop your module.
Deliver your module to a small group of learners and gather feedback.

Volunteer to help teach a class or workshop on e-learning design

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This experience will give you the opportunity to share your knowledge and skills with others while also gaining valuable feedback on your teaching abilities.

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Contact your local community college or university and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Prepare a lesson plan and materials for your class or workshop.
Deliver your class or workshop and gather feedback from participants.

Develop a blog post or article on a topic related to e-learning design

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This activity will allow you to share your knowledge and expertise with a wider audience while also improving your writing and communication skills.

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Choose a topic that you are knowledgeable about.
Research your topic and gather information from credible sources.
Write a well-organized and engaging blog post or article.
Publish your blog post or article on a relevant website or platform.

Participate in an e-learning design competition

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This challenge will push you to think creatively and develop innovative e-learning solutions.

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Find an e-learning design competition that aligns with your interests.
Develop a proposal and submit it to the competition.
Create and deliver your e-learning solution.
Submit your work for evaluation.

Career center

Learners who complete Negotiating Learner Differences: Towards Productive Diversity in Learning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

A Diversity and Inclusion Manager oversees the planning, development, and implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives for an organization. They also work with employees to create a more inclusive workplace. This course would be helpful for a Diversity and Inclusion Manager because it provides an understanding of the different dimensions of learner diversity, as well as strategies for creating inclusive learning environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Educational Researcher

An Educational Researcher conducts research on teaching and learning. They may also develop new educational theories and methods. This course would be helpful for an Educational Researcher because it provides an understanding of the different factors that can affect learning, as well as strategies for creating effective learning environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Researcher

Learning and Development Manager

A Learning and Development Manager oversees the planning, development, and implementation of training and development programs for employees. They also work with managers to identify training needs and develop strategies to meet those needs. This course would be helpful for a Learning and Development Manager because it provides an understanding of the different factors that can affect learning, as well as strategies for creating effective learning environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Learning and Development Manager

Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer creates and develops educational materials, such as courses, lessons, and assessments. They also work with teachers and administrators to implement new instructional technologies. This course would be helpful for an Instructional Designer because it provides an understanding of the different learning styles of students and how to create materials that meet their needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Social Justice Advocate

A Social Justice Advocate works to promote social justice and equity for all people. They may work with organizations, governments, or individuals to develop and implement policies and programs that address social issues. This course would be helpful for a Social Justice Advocate because it provides an understanding of the different ways that social justice can be promoted through education.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Justice Advocate

Higher Education Administrator

A Higher Education Administrator oversees the planning, development, and implementation of educational programs at colleges and universities. They also work with faculty and staff to create a supportive learning environment for students. This course would be helpful for a Higher Education Administrator because it provides an understanding of the different factors that can affect learning, as well as strategies for creating effective learning environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Higher Education Administrator

Curriculum Developer

A Curriculum Developer creates and develops educational programs, such as courses, lessons, and assessments. They also work with teachers and administrators to implement new curriculum. This course would be helpful for a Curriculum Developer because it provides an understanding of the different dimensions of learner diversity, as well as strategies for meeting the needs of diverse learners.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Community Organizer

A Community Organizer works with communities to identify and address social issues. They may also develop and implement community-based programs and initiatives. This course would be helpful for a Community Organizer because it provides an understanding of the different dimensions of learner diversity, as well as strategies for creating inclusive learning environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Program Manager

A Program Manager oversees the planning, development, and implementation of programs for an organization. They also work with stakeholders to ensure that the program is meeting its goals. This course would be helpful for a Program Manager because it provides an understanding of the different factors that can affect learning, as well as strategies for creating effective learning environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Nonprofit Executive Director

A Nonprofit Executive Director oversees the planning, development, and implementation of programs and services for a nonprofit organization. They also work with stakeholders to ensure that the organization is meeting its goals. This course would be helpful for a Nonprofit Executive Director because it provides an understanding of the different factors that can affect learning, as well as strategies for creating effective learning environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Executive Director

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policy issues. They may also develop and recommend policy solutions. This course would be helpful for a Policy Analyst because it provides an understanding of the different factors that can affect learning, as well as strategies for creating effective learning environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Project Manager

A Project Manager oversees the planning, development, and implementation of projects for an organization. They also work with stakeholders to ensure that the project is meeting its goals. This course would be helpful for a Project Manager because it provides an understanding of the different factors that can affect learning, as well as strategies for creating effective learning environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Teacher

A Teacher provides instruction to students in a classroom setting. They develop lesson plans, teach lessons, and assess student learning. This course would be helpful for a Teacher because it provides an understanding of the different learning styles of students and how to create a classroom environment that meets their needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Educational Consultant

An Educational Consultant advises businesses, governments, and nonprofits on educational policy and strategy. They may also provide training and development to teachers and administrators. This course would be helpful for an Educational Consultant because it provides an in-depth understanding of the dimensions of learner diversity, as well as strategies for meeting the needs of diverse learners.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant

Education Consultant

An Education Consultant advises businesses, governments, and nonprofits on educational policy and strategy. They may also provide training and development to teachers and administrators. This course would be helpful for an Education Consultant because it provides an in-depth understanding of the dimensions of learner diversity, as well as strategies for meeting the needs of diverse learners.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Consultant