What makes an online space inclusive?

Fiona MacNeill (discussion facilitator)

Learning Technologist, University of Brighton

@fmacneill

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What do I mean by an online space?

An online space is where groups of 3 or more people come together to meet online. ��These spaces are facilitated via meeting and webinar tools and the format is governed by the people who facilitate and/or attend.

The format can replicate in-person meeting styles or can be specific to online.

Examples �In-person formats

• Round table
• Small group meeting
• Breakout rooms
• Large group meeting
• Panel discussion
• Conference or Lecture-style Presentation
• Watch Party

Wonder �(online meeting tool)

Microsoft Teams

Backyard.co �(no longer available - sunset 26/06/21)

Examples�Uniquely online formats

• Audio-only large group meeting �(e.g., Twitter Rooms)�
• Live collaboration in real time with interspersed audio �(e.g., Mural)

Section of a Mural board

Twitter Rooms

Warm-up question

What is your name? �(first name only is okay)�

What is your favourite technology for meeting with people online and why?��Answer in the chat and Fiona will invite verbal replies as well

What format �is this online space?

Long Table �(Weaver, 2013)

BSL = British Sign Language Interpreter

What we are about to do...

I am going to pose 5 questions to all of us as a group.

When you want to answer a question you can put your hand-up to take a seat at the table. After you have responded, imagine that you are stepping away from the table.

You can write on the tablecloth by writing in the chat.

We are focusing on online spaces used for learning.��At the end we will have a two-question personal introspective.

5 Questions

2 Questions

When you step up to the table...

Put your hand up.��You will be invited to unmute.��Please say your name first, followed by your response.

Question 1.�Think back.� �What was it like at the last online learning event that you attended?

3+ People

Webinar/�Meeting Tool

Format

Question 2a.�What supported your focus at the online learning event?

Question 2b.�Was there anything that disrupted your focus at the online learning event?

Question 3.�Think of a positive experience at an online event.� �What helped you to feel engaged?

Question 4.�What helped you to feel included at the event?

Question 5.�What excludes you or makes you feel excluded during an online event?

Personal Introspective.

(With a little help from your device)

What should event organisers or teachers do to help people feel included?

https://PollEv.com/fmacn

Part 1 Human Factors

What accessibility features or tools should be in-place during an event to help people feel included?

https://PollEv.com/fmacn

Part 2 Technology Factors

Results...

Summary

Things that help

• Entries in chat pane included and acknowledged
• Open Questions
• An agenda sent in advance
• Emojis
• Webcams on and off
• Having moderators
• Having access to reactions tools
• Being able to vote-up, respond or react to other folks’ comments in the chat
• Being able to include pronouns

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Things that do not help

• Too many slides with too much detail
• Presenter speaking too fast
• Questions in chat pane that are not followed up
• No option to chat
• Animated GIFs which run in the background
• Distracting sounds such as typing in the background and noisy offices

Thank you for coming along and for discussing!

Fiona MacNeill�f.macneill@brighton.ac.uk�@fmacneill on Twitter��Professional Blog�Work Blog

References and Links

Eventbrite (2019) ‘20 Interactive Conference Ideas and Formats’, EventBrite Blog, 23 June (Accessed: 14 June 2021).��Weaver, L. (2013) ‘Long Table on Feminism Documentation’, LADA Live Art Development Agency (Accessed: 14 June 2021).

White, D. (2021) ‘Spatial collaboration: how to escape the webcam’, David White, 1 February (Accessed: 13 March 2021).

My reading list for Watch Parties and Live Lectures.

IDEAs – Inspirations for Digital Engagement Activities (UCL) by Simon Walker, Samantha Ahern, Silvia Colaiacomo, Leo Havemann, Alexandra Mihai, Tim Neumann, Karen Shackleford-Cesare, Abbi Shaw, Clive Young (UCL Arena & Digital Education) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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