Challenges and Opportunities for Students with Disabilities in Evolving Learning Environments: Active Learning, Online Instruction, and Undergraduate Research

Abstract: Innovations in undergraduate education have increased the prevalence of active learning courses, online education, and student engagement in the high-impact practice of undergraduate research, however it is unknown whether students with disabilities are able to engage in these innovative learning environments to the same extent that they are able to engage in more traditional learning environments. Universities, disability resource centers, and instructors are mandated to provide accommodations to students with disabilities for the purposes of prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Are accommodations being adapted and created for these new types of learning environments? This seminar describes findings from four studies about the experiences of students with disabilities in these three learning environments, specifically examining the challenges students with disabilities encounter and the emerging recommendations for more effective accommodations. In this work, I find that students with disabilities experience challenges in each of these learning environments and that the current suite of accommodations are not sufficient for accommodating students with disabilities. I argue that institutions need to consider modifying student accommodations and the process for obtaining them to better support students with disabilities in these evolving learning environments. I also provide recommendations for the ways in which we can make undergraduate science education more accessible and inclusive of students with disabilities.

When: Monday, June 6, 2022 | 12:30pm-2:00pm
Where: Online via Zoom - Register here: https://ubc.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5Mtd-GvqTMtGtAvwRFM-vdhlmiTuC419B9K

This talk is part of the Speaker Series: Teaching & Learning in Science through the Lens of Indigeneity, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. This Speaker Series features prominent and influential thought leaders in inclusive STEM education. The series will feature guest speakers who will address topics relating to their expertise in inclusive STEM education that are of interest to the UBC Science teaching and learning community. Speakers will represent various disciplines (biology, chemistry, physics, geology, etc.), identities (IBPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, etc.), and specialties (curriculum, pedagogy, research). This series is sponsored by UBC Science's Strategic Innovation Fund.