How Smart Course Creators Tackle “Divisive” Topics (Laura Lomax)

Laura Lomax shares her journey bridging cultural gaps through tailored online learning. Revealing how to adapt DEI content for different audiences, she explores practical strategies for fostering inclusion and engagement, offering actionable takeaways for course creators.Laura Lomax is an intercultural practitioner, instructional designer, training and development specialist, and a certified professional coach.In this episode, Ari, Abe, and Laura discuss:Laura’s professional background in intercultural competency, program development, and training across multiple industriesThe evolution of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work and adapting terminology to suit different audiencesStrategies for approaching and customizing courses for organizations, especially impenetrable or conservative institutionsThe importance of tailoring course content and delivery for specific, niche audiencesTechniques for making sensitive or divisive topics more relatable and accessible to all learnersBest practices for effective online course design, including formats, interaction, and engagementChallenges and methods for fostering active participation and deeper engagement in online programsObtaining and utilizing continuing education accreditation as a business strategy and marketing toolLessons learned and practical advice for course creators on course organization, technology use, and content presentationWays to follow up with learners and organizations to ensure training effectiveness and lasting impact“We used the word ‘inclusion’ a lot, but unfortunately, diversity, equity, even the word culture, was a little triggering.” — Laura LomaxGuest Bio:Laura Lomax has more than 35 years of leadership experience, including 18 years as CEO of a health care management firm. From assessment, analysis, and program development to delivery and evaluation, Laura focused on designing solutions to underserved communities as well as governmental agencies, including police departments, sheriff’s departments, jails, and prison systems in 10 states across the U.S.Since 2015, Laura has focused on developing customized workplace learning solutions to build intercultural awareness and accountability for individuals, teams, and organizations.  She has administered assessments and provided cultural competence workshops to more than 2,000 participants from the following sectors: government, education (K-20), banking, health care, law enforcement, social services, hospitality, and nonprofit agencies.Laura received her BA in Anthropology (1984) and Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology (2022). She is a certified Intercultural Practitioner and a Qualified Intercultural Development Inventory Administrator. Laura is also a certified facilitator/trainer for competency-building programs, including Cultural Detective, Emotional Intelligence in Diversity, and Pathways to Racial Reconciliation. In 2018 she received the NAACP Pioneer Award for building inclusive communities through leadership.Resources or websites mentioned in this episode:MiraseeRuzukuLaura’s website: InterculturalWorks.comLaura’s courses: courses.elearnersource.comLaura’s email: [email protected]:Hosts: Ari Iny and Abe CrystalProducer and Editor: Michi LantzExecutive Producer: Danny InyMusic Soundscape: Chad Michael SnavelyMaking our hosts sound great: Home Brew AudioTo catch the great episodes that are coming up on Course Lab, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channel or your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It's the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.Music credits:Track Title: Bossa BBArtist Name: MarieWriter Name: Chelsea McGoughPublisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: Coo CoosArtist Name: Dresden, The FlamingoWriter Name: Matthew WigtonPublisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: GraceArtist Name: ShimmerWriter Name: Matthew WigtonPublisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSTrack Title: Carousel LightsArtist Name: Chelsea McGoughWriter Name: Chelsea McGoughWriter Name: Matthew WigtonPublisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONPublisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSSpecial effects credits:24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.Episode transcript: How Smart Course Creators Tackle “Divisive” Topics (Laura Lomax).