Empowering Neurodivergent Learners in Online Education
This post is adapted from a research paper entitled “Guiding Empowerment Model: Liberating Neurodiversity in Online Higher Education” by WGU Program Experience Researchers Hannah Beaux, Pegah Karimi, Otilia Pop, and Rob Clark
In the realm of online education, the diversity of students' learning needs is as vast as the digital landscape itself. Among these needs, the consideration for neurodivergent learners—individuals whose brain functions differ from those considered typical—is becoming increasingly crucial.
Historically, support for these learners has been limited, often accessible only with official diagnoses and sometimes proving ineffective. Yet, as we venture further into the digital age of learning, innovative practices are emerging to bridge the equity gap for neurodivergent and situationally limited learners, particularly in fields like engineering or computing.
The Problem with a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
At the heart of addressing these needs is the recognition of the unique spectrum of factors affecting learning—from cognitive abilities and learning preferences to environmental and situational limitations. Traditional one-size-fits-all approaches fall short, leaving many learners to fend for themselves in less-than-ideal conditions. Emerging frameworks and instructional approaches, such as online education, offer a glimmer of hope but often lack comprehensive support, especially for those with undisclosed disabilities or situational limitations.
A Framework for Individualized Solutions for Neurodivergent Learners
Enter the groundbreaking Guiding Empowerment Model (GEM), developed through extensive secondary research of over 100 articles. This model identifies key cognitive and situational factors shaping the day-to-day experiences of learners, offering insights into fluctuating cognitive abilities and how to address evident problems in learning environments. GEM's application in evaluating learning platforms and technologies aims to remove barriers for neurodivergent learners, fostering an environment where they can thrive academically.
Central to GEM is the acknowledgment of varied sensory processing differences, social connection challenges, and environmental limitations. By incorporating customizable technology features, such as task management, varied content access, and multi-modal collaboration, GEM seeks to alleviate major learning barriers. These interventions aim to complement frameworks like Universal Design for Learning, ensuring that all learners, regardless of their neurotype, can access and engage with meaningful educational content.
GEM recognizes neurodiversity as a natural variation along the human spectrum, advocating for inclusivity in online learning environments. By examining neurodivergent learners through detailed personas, GEM provides a nuanced understanding of diverse requirements, bridging the gap between existing practices and the needs of a broad learner population.
This innovative approach does not come without challenges. Issues of data security, the need for human oversight in AI recommendations, and the intricacies of a learner support system demand careful consideration. Nevertheless, the potential for a more equitable and inclusive online learning environment is vast.
Understanding GEM
The Guiding Empowerment Model identifies 31 dynamic characteristics described as essential to how learners process new information. It’s more digestible when we scale these to six interrelated categories:
Time and energy
Sensory processing
Social cognition
Reasoning
Executive function
Core skills
Three Example Personas to Show the Model in Action
Building Nuanced and Personalized Solutions
GEM is only as helpful as the changes it sparks for these students. For instance, many institutions may employ generative AI as a method to guide students within this framework. Here are the steps online institutions should consider when using this model to improve positive outcomes for neurodivergent learners.
- Identify learner behavioral patterns
- Explore learner context patterns
- Integrate systems of holistic support
- Implement guiding empowerment
As we move toward a future where online education is increasingly prevalent, the commitment to supporting neurodivergent learners and those with situational limitations is more important than ever. Through models like GEM, educators and institutions have the tools to create a more inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environment for all students.
