Learning and Online Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Officers: A Handbook for an Emerging Profession

ABOUT THE BOOK

This book is a ‘must-have’ in teaching and learning practice. The author addresses practical and intentional considerations for culturally responsive teaching practices with learning psychology in mind as well as effectiveness and ease of use.

The idea of cultural adaptation to learning is critical to instructional effectiveness in online higher education environments. This book is an important read for administrators, staff and faculty alike, with a special focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officers who work in online and hybrid settings. This book is one of the two books used for the Learning and Online Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer with the Council for At Risk Student Education and Professional Standards.

This book provides clear foundations and examples of a specific viewpoint, background knowledge, and skills, as well as a framework for faculty, instructional designers, and curriculum developers to effectively enhance the practice of cultural responsiveness in educational settings. The book also offer insights into creating inclusive online communities, promoting diversity in online spaces, and ideas for meaningful adjustments to learning and course design. Overall, the book can serve as a valuable resource for DEI officers to advance equity and inclusion in online and hybrid spaces.

About the Author:

Dr. Courtney Plotts is an expert on cultural responsiveness in education and leadership. Dr. Plotts is a licensed and certified school psychologist, author, and keynote speaker. Her work includes various books on culture including Black and Latinx culture in online learning spaces. Dr. Plotts provides professional development sessions for educators, mental health professionals, and leaders. In 2020, she starting publishing the Space Between series of books focused on caring and connected behaviors in online spaces for black students and LatinX students learning in virtual classrooms and spaces. Dr. Plotts is also a practicing virtual school psychologist providing counseling and assessment service to students living in rural parts of the United States.

Her previously published books include:

The Space Between: Identifying Cultural Canyons in Online Spaces and the use of LatinX Culture to Bridge the Divide
The Space Between: Identifying Cultural Canyons in Online Spaces and the Use of Black Cultural Attributes to Bridge the Divide
Cultural Intentions: An Evidence-Based Framework for Culturally Responsive Interventions