ADCET UDL Symposium: Designing for Joy - Inclusive Engagement in Asynchronous Learning

In-person workshop

Joy is increasingly recognised as an essential component of inclusive learning, yet it can feel difficult to foster in asynchronous LMS environments where interaction is not immediate and engagement is often measured through visible activity alone. Joy in adult learning is not about entertainment, but about creating conditions where learners experience confidence, relevance, belonging and meaningful progress. These experiences are critical for sustaining motivation and supporting diverse learners, particularly those balancing study with complex personal and professional commitments.

This workshop introduced a practical framework for designing inclusive and joyful engagement in asynchronous learning by recognising different forms of engagement, including visible, invisible, cognitive, emotional and relational. Participants explored how joy emerges when learners feel safe to participate, can connect learning to their own experiences, and can see evidence of their progress and capability.

Participants analysed authentic LMS examples and identified small, achievable design changes that foster joy and inclusion. These included using announcements to create encouragement and presence, designing discussion prompts that invite personal connection and agency, and structuring learning activities that build confidence through scaffolded success. Participants redesigned common LMS elements to enhance clarity, autonomy and belonging without requiring major redevelopment.

The goal for this session was for participants to leave with an understanding of "invisible engagement" and a practical engagement and joy design framework, adaptable strategies, and ready-to-use examples that support inclusive participation and sustained motivation.

Presenter

Denise Hodgson is a creative education professional with 10 years of experience. She is currently working as a senior digital learning designer, specialising in asynchronous higher education. She's been lucky enough to have been a teacher, language education quality assurance specialist, content creator, resource developer, and learning designer at some of Australia's best universities. She has always focused on adult learner motivation and wants to continue to enhance engagement with learning. During her career, she has developed an obsession for creating opportunities for meaningful participation for all learners with accessible, inclusive, and effective digital teaching and learning programs and materials.

(June 2026)