Students enroll in courses online for reasons of time, space and convenience. These include students with disabilities, international students and the students who take courses online because it meets their learning styles. The question of access should be held in conversation with the public schools. The playing field can be made level for those students who come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds or poorly equipped schools. All students, especially students of color, should be provided a conceptual base for learning that solidifies their awareness, knowledge, skills, abilities and experience.
Students are thirsty for diversity and want to have conversations about it.
The anonymity of the web can provide a safe space for students to have these conversations. New tools are available that greatly decrease the workload of faculty. Technology and improvements in the digital environment can provide better teaching and learning and leave more time for faculty to work with students.