ABSTRACT
This chapter briefly describes the diversity of online learners, and focuses on those areas in which online instructors need to develop cultural competence to facilitate a culturally inclusive academic environment and community. It also discusses the competencies and considerations necessary for course developers and administrators to demonstrate cultural competence and facilitate effective learning for a diverse population in the online education environment. The opening example of a classroom interaction shows that one need to obtain an accurate picture of those issues that impact the psychosocial identity and sociopolitical context of each individual in the course, including the instructor. Online educators strive for quality, timely responses to their students. In an asynchronous environment, there have to be periodic points at which the instructor monitors and evaluates effectiveness, knowledge acquisition and retention, and skill development. As institutions increase online education resources, more are employing the support of course developers, people trained in the best practices in online education pedagogy and course presentation.
