This month’s Edubytes explores key themes shaping higher education in 2025, including inclusive teaching and accessibility, the growing role of Generative AI in learning, and innovative teaching practices. The editorial team has curated recent articles and resources offering insights and strategies on these important topics.
Inclusive teaching and accessibility
Supporting neurodiversity in higher education: A two-part workshop series
BCcampus hosted a two-part workshop series on supporting neurodiversity in higher education. The first workshop introduced the history, key terms, and first-person perspectives on neurodiversity, while the second focused on practical strategies for creating inclusive learning environments. Participants explored case studies and legal frameworks, setting goals to enhance accessibility and support for neurodivergent students.
Teaching accessibly and teaching accessibility: The key to equitable education
In this article from the Online Learning Consortium, the author explores the importance of both teaching accessibly and teaching accessibility in higher education. It emphasizes that making learning materials accessible benefits all students and fosters an inclusive environment. Training students about accessibility helps build long-term awareness and competency, preparing them to design more inclusive learning spaces. The article underscores that accessibility is a shared responsibility among educators and institutions.
Top higher education trends to watch in 2025: Innovation, accessibility, and inclusion
This article from Mitr Media outlines key higher education for 2025, with a significant focus on enhancing accessibility in education. It mentions the increasing importance of designing programs and digital platforms to meet diverse learning needs, complying with standards like Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, and implementing features such as text-to-speech and closed captions.
Creating inclusive campuses: Neuroinclusive policies and practices in higher education
A report from the Conference Board of Canada, in partnership with Future Skills Centre (PDF) explores neuroinclusive policies and practices in post-secondary education. It highlights that many neurodivergent students face stigma and barriers to full participation, with less than half disclosing their identity to their institution. Recommendations include mandatory neurodiversity training, integrating accessibility into equity, diversity, and inclusion strategies, and improving access to coordinated student support services. Involving neurodivergent voices in policy-making is also emphasized as a key step toward fostering more inclusive campuses.
GenAI in higher education
Using GenAI for environmental scan
This blog post from the CTLT’s Academic Director Christina Hendricks reflects on using Generative AI for an environmental scan of Canadian post-secondary Teaching and Learning Centres. She tested AI tools like Google Gemini and ChatGPT to gather and analyze mission, vision, and values statements, finding mixed results due to data gaps and AI limitations. She concludes that while GenAI shows promise for research support, human oversight remains essential for accuracy and context.
When the gig is tragic: Using AI to reclaim your time
This article from Dr. Nicole West explores how women of colour in academia face disproportionate service burdens, often referred to as the “Black tax,” which impacts their productivity and career progression. The author proposes “Intersectional Technofeminist Resistance,” using AI strategically to reduce workload inequities and reclaim time. AI, framed through Black cyberfeminism, offers a means to resist systemic pressures and prioritize well-being.
How will AI influence higher education in 2025?
This article from Inside Higher Ed examines how AI will impact higher education in 2025, highlighting trends like increased AI-driven learning personalization, automated grading, and faculty use of AI for research and content creation. Institutions are also focusing on preparing students to engage critically with AI technologies. The article emphasizes the need for balancing AI adoption with ethical guidelines and human oversight.
AI: Cheating matters, but redrawing assessment matters most
Inside Higher Ed shared another article on the topic of GenAI and discussed how it is influencing academic integrity and assessment in higher education. While AI-related cheating remains a concern, the focus is shifting toward designing more authentic, process-based assessments that align with AI’s capabilities and improve learning outcomes. Educators are working to balance AI’s potential benefits with the need to maintain academic standards. The article emphasizes the rethinking assessment design is key to helping students engage with AI responsibly and ethically.
Innovations in teaching and learning
International Day of Education 2025: Innovations shaping the future of learning
Published on the International Day of Education, this article from ECGI discusses how institutions are using AI and digital tools to transform education while maintaining human control and ethical oversight. It covers topics such as cross-cultural virtual exchanges, sustainable development-focused curricula, and the integration of emerging technologies in classroom environments. The article highlights the need to balance technological advancement with human agency in learning.
Project-based learning for educators l High-impact practices
This resource from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute highlights the benefits of project-based learning in higher education, emphasizing its role in developing key skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. This resource provides case studies and practical advice for educators looking to incorporate this hands-on approach into their teaching, emphasizing its effectiveness in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Seven innovative teaching methods for modern higher education
This article from Riipen highlights seven innovative teaching methods transforming higher education. These include experiential learning, project-based assignments, collaborative learning, gamification, flipped classrooms, problem-based learning, and incorporating digital tools. The focus is on creating meaningful, real-world learning experiences that aim at enhancing student engagement, learning outcomes, and preparing them for the workforce.
Making every minute count
This article from Inside Higher Ed explores how post-pandemic learning has shifted toward more flexible and student-centered approaches. It highlights the increased use of hybrid models, competency-based learning, and AI-driven personalization while emphasizing the need for maintaining human connection and engagement. Institutions are adapting to new learning dynamics by focusing on student well-being, equity, and innovative teaching methods.
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