Gin, L. E. (2021). Challenges and opportunities for students with disabilities in evolving learning environments: Active learning, online instruction, and undergraduate research (Publication No. 28862023) [Doctoral dissertation, Arizona State University]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2616380174

Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ); ProQuest document ID: 2616380174

Accommodations were not specified; however, access to accommodations in general was investigated, and at least one of the four studies yielded potential new accommodations ideas. Overall, the focus was on the experiences of students with disabilities in innovative learning environments (i.e., active learning science classrooms, undergraduate research experiences, and online science courses) in undergraduate science education.

Four studies were conducted. (Study 1) Interview participants were 37 Disability Resource Center (DRC) directors from postsecondary institutions throughout the U.S. (Study 2) Interview participants were 66 undergraduate students with disabilities who were taking science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses at seven large-enrollment institutions throughout the U.S. that transitioned online during the Spring 2020 semester. (Study 3) Survey respondents were 114 students with disabilities who were registered with the DRC and taking online science courses during the Spring 2021 semester. (Study 4) Two groups of participants: 1,262 life science undergraduate researchers responded to a national (U.S.) survey, and 20 students from this sample of undergraduate researchers participated in semi-structured interviews.

Across the four studies, two interviews, a semi-structured interview, and two researcher-created surveys were used for data collection.

Students with disabilities encountered challenges in innovative learning environments. The process of providing accommodations for students with disabilities in active learning was reported to be difficult. Online learning environments presented accommodation challenges. One year after the transition to online learning, students reported not being adequately accommodated. In undergraduate research in science courses, students with disabilities are underrepresented and experience unique challenges, solutions, contributions, and benefits.