The Online Learning program commits to Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion by acknowledging that culture influences learning and by approaching design and development with cultural humility. The team works to ensure that language is inclusive and not biased toward specific groups. The language avoids universal phrases, idioms, industry jargon, and acronyms that impede effective communication by excluding learners who may not have specialized knowledge of a particular subject. This includes incorporating diverse names into learning experiences (e.g., names to label avatars, names that serve as examples in assessment questions). When using examples that suggest that specific groups (e.g., races, ethnicities, genders) perform certain jobs, we use varied examples to illustrate that a range of groups perform those jobs. The structure of online modules allows learners to navigate freely through online modules to drive their individual learning path and are developed to require the least amount of technology for leaners to succeed (e.g., phone or tablet).

Our efforts related to our commitment to Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion include:

• Seeking out new and emerging instructional design models, culturally inclusive frameworks, and building background knowledge about racially and ethnically inclusive groups to apply to new developments
• Building associates’ capacity to pioneer in this space by facilitating their participation in courses at The Ohio State University and collaborating with an Instructional Design cohort
• Encouraging review and feedback from those external to the design process who have knowledge and expertise in culturally inclusive frameworks, gaining insights, recording results, and revising