Cultivating DEIA Skills in Open Education Research: The Impact of Targeted Fellowship Support

In order to conduct effective research in open education, one needs skills in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. To address this need, a DEIA expert provided consultation to the members and mentor of a fellowship for open education researchers. After completing the fellowship, the researchers were asked to complete a survey about DEIA research skill development during the fellowship and their perceived challenges in DEIA research. Fellows (N = 42) across cohorts indicated growth in DEIA research skills during the fellowship. Notably, fellows who received DEIA consultation described more sophisticated development of DEIA research skills than fellows without the consultation. Fellows also reported challenges in DEIA research skills due to the current political climate, limited funding opportunities, and concerns about support from their institutions.