Globe in apple shape, representing educationA symposium June 17 and 18 will delve into the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students in online or open environments.

Symposium to delve into online learning needs of diverse students

Scholars and educators from 24 countries will delve into the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students in online or open environments during the International Teaching Online Symposium, hosted by the University of Windsor via Microsoft Teams, June 17 and 18.

Organizers have scheduled 116 sessions to share research, and registration is already more than halfway to its goal of 300 participants.

“We have 164 persons registered representing Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Oceania, which makes our symposium a truly international gathering,” says project director Clayton Smith, associate professor in the UWindsor Faculty of Education.

He points to the increasing engagement of international students in the open or online learning world as an impetus for the symposium.

“Some of these students enrol in fully online coursework, while others engage in online learning at the individual course level, both of which require varying degrees of synchronous and asynchronous participation,” says Dr. Smith. “With the current pandemic, it is evident that online learning is becoming a new trend. Finding strategies to teach culturally and linguistically diverse international students in online settings is essential to ensure their success.”

Fatme Ammar, an Outstanding Scholars student who belongs to the Teaching International Students Research Group, notes the

“Seeing the rise of international students in our online classrooms, especially after this year, allowed us to realize the importance of ensuring fair teaching practices so that all students can receive the education they deserve,” says Fatme Ammar, Outstanding Scholars student and member of the Teaching International Students Research Group.

Registration for the symposium is free, with a deadline of June 4. Post-secondary students who register and attend will be entered in a draw to win one of four $100 gift cards.

Find a detailed program and more information on the conference website.

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