A Review of: Humanizing Distance Learning: Centering Equity and Humanity in Times of Crisis

Abstract

This text reviews Paul E. France’s 2021 book, Humanizing Distance Learning: Centering Equity and Humanity in Times of Crisis. Reviewed by Azizah Binhuwaimel, the work explores France’s framework for human-centred pedagogy, which emphasises student independence, liberation, and the dismantling of white supremacy within K-12 online and in-person education. Over 10 accessible chapters, France balances personal narratives as a gay white educator with actionable teaching strategies influenced by critical pedagogy and backward design. Key topics include trauma-informed instruction, classroom culture, identity study, humanising assessment, complex instruction, and EdTech minimalism. Rather than relying on empirical research, the book uses a narrative style to critique dehumanising, data-driven educational practices exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The reviewer concludes that France's book serves as an informative, practical call to action for educators seeking to implement culturally responsive pedagogy and foster meaningful digital connections.