Using technology in the classroom is an excellent way to embrace diversity and create an inclusive learning environment. Educators specializing in teaching with technology actively incorporate diverse perspectives, experiences and cultural references into their teaching materials and methods. This is crucial to engaging every student respectfully, regardless of their circumstances.
Educational technology isn’t just about teaching. A new report titled Technologies and Strategies for Inclusion and Accessibility notes that educational technology fosters open dialogue, promoting cross-cultural understanding and embracing multicultural education principles to help students thrive in a diverse, interconnected world.
Current educators interested in making a difference in the classroom can benefit from the Northwest Missouri State University online Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) – Teaching Technology program. Graduates gain an understanding of how to design and implement technology that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).
Supporting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in the Classroom
There is no one approach to fostering an inclusive and culturally competent classroom. Teaching technology specialists support DEIB in several ways, including:
- Inclusive Curriculum Design: This develops curricula with diverse perspectives, histories and cultures. This includes selecting diverse case studies, examples and resources that reflect the experiences of various ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic groups.
- Accessible Technology: This ensures that technology tools and platforms used in teaching are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. This may involve providing alternative formats, captions or assistive technologies to support diverse learning needs.
- Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices: This adopts teaching methods that honor and affirm students’ cultural backgrounds and identities. An UNESCO report about technology and inclusion suggests creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel seen, heard and valued. This might include challenging biases and stereotypes in technology education and fostering critical thinking about the societal impacts of technology.
By integrating these practices into their teaching, technology specialists contribute to more inclusive and equitable learning environments that empower all students to succeed in the digital age.
Inclusivity Through Education Technology
In order to provide top-notch education to millions of students, especially with challenges like COVID-19, experts writing in a report from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change believe it is time to rethink how technology is used in teaching.
Educators worldwide agree some aspects of current technology education may not fully support diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). Many are focused on making changes in areas like algorithm biases in personalized learning or accessibility features for students with disabilities. To address these issues, the new report notes the need for active evaluation and improvement of these technological systems.
DEIB principles must be fundamental to any system design, which require regular assessment of their impact on diverse student populations. Additionally, investments in training for educators on inclusive teaching practices and the effective use of technology can help create a more equitable learning environment for all students. By prioritizing DEIB in their approach to educational technology, there is little doubt educators can move closer to achieving the goal of providing quality education for everyone.
Using Technology to Promote Equitable Learning
Teaching technology offers several strengths in promoting equitable and inclusive learning experiences. Educational technology can adapt to individual learning needs, preferences and abilities, providing personalized learning pathways for each student. This approach ensures that learners from diverse backgrounds receive tailored support to succeed, regardless of their starting point.
Thirty years ago, world leaders implemented the Salamanca Statement on Inclusion in Education. This statement shows a consensus with regards to teaching students with special needs. It pushed for inclusive education everywhere. A new UNESCO report explores the meaning of inclusive education and where it stands today.
Experts note that accessibility is a cornerstone of inclusivity. Digital tools can offer various accessibility features, such as screen readers, closed captioning and text-to-speech functions — making learning materials more accessible to students with disabilities. By removing barriers to learning, technology helps create a more inclusive environment where all learners can participate and thrive. These strengths empower educators to address diverse learning needs and foster a more inclusive classroom environment, ultimately promoting equity and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Inspire Diverse Students With an Advanced Teaching Technology Degree
Teaching technology professionals can learn to actively incorporate and adapt to students’ multicultural education needs with an advanced degree. Northwest’s online MSEd in C&I – Teaching Technology program teaches current educators to promote equitable approaches for student support, education access, teaching and leadership practices. The goal of the program is to help educators ensure that students and families receive fair treatment in all aspects of education.
This totally online program gives students the foundation to recognize and address disparities and inequality in their work as educators, trainers and coaches.
Learn more about Northwest Missouri State University’s online Master of Science in Education in Curriculum & Instruction – Teaching Technology program.
