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How Teachers Can Promote Inclusion Through Digital Strategies 
December 2024

As technology and digitisation are spreading and evolving, it is increasingly important to ensure that everyone acquires active and responsible digital participation, as it is a requirement of any future citizen of the world. Indeed despite the rapid evolution of technology, a significant portion of the global population, especially in underserved communities, lacks access to digital resources, further widening the digital divide. In order for digital literacy to be acquired by all without exception in an equitable way, we should ensure that it is accessible and inclusive.


Research on this subject highlights the importance of it, especially in the education field, but notes very recurrent challenges that teachers face. Therefore, the question we need to reflect on is: How can educators foster an inclusive digital environment?
It might be tricky to distinguish between digital literacy and digital inclusion, as they are so interlinked. But the nuance is important to understand before going further. For instance, a student might possess basic digital literacy skills but still be excluded due to a lack of access to affordable internet or accessible platforms.


Digital literacy refers to the ability to effectively and responsibly use digital technologies, tools, and platforms to access, evaluate, create, and share information. 
Digital inclusion ensures that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background, geographic location, or abilities, have equitable access to digital tools, resources, and skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly digital world.


Teachers play a crucial role in ensuring digital inclusion is applied. They are facilitators of not just knowledge but also access and equity. Here are several good practices educators can benefit from to enhance inclusive digital literacy in their classrooms.


Using accessible tools:
Teachers can use integrative tools that can assist students with diverse needs to empower accessibility. For example, in the case where students face challenges with writing, tools that can transform speech to text can be used, or for students that have difficulties reading, tools for text-to-speech transcription can be used. Additionally, tools like closed captions for videos and customizable font sizes can be very useful for visually impaired students or those with hearing difficulties. 
Simplifying the navigation of the digital learning platforms and tools being used for teaching purposes will also be essential to make sure students with different abilities can use them equitably. 


Adopting universal design for learning:
Teachers can adopt universal design by designing flexible lessons that include activities that can be adapted to different levels. Moreover, they can offer students diverse options and means to interact with learning materials, such as videos, podcasts, hands-on activities and interactive quizzes. Universal design for learning can also be put into practice in class by allowing students to demonstrate their learning acquisitions in the formats that would be most suitable for them without imposing a single way of evaluating their knowledge. For example, in a history lesson, students could choose between creating a digital timeline, writing an essay, or presenting a video report to demonstrate their learning.


Incorporating AI for personalise learning:
AI can be very useful in adapting content and pace to meet individual student needs, creating inclusive learning experiences. Teachers should not hesitate to benefit from AI-powered tools that can guide them in simplifying lesson planning. Indeed, platforms like ChatGPT or adaptive learning systems suggest resources tailored to diverse learners.

 

Promoting digital empathy and safe online spaces: 
Teachers can stress the importance of respectful online communication by conducting lessons on digital empathy and respectful online interactions. This can be done through real-world scenarios that can help students practice positive behaviours. The DIGI-civic project has developed a reality task toolkit, especially to help students understand the impact of their online actions on others. You can check them out in the results section on the website - https://www.digi-civis.eu/ 


These can help establish clear online norms that can foster a safe and inclusive virtual environment that would be beneficial inside and outside the classroom.

 

Benefit from training specifically tailored for educators and resources available:

An open-source course is actually available on our website. It will equip teachers with the skills to address the problems of digital inclusion. This could be a great way to start - https://www.digi-civis.eu/ 
Digital literacy goes beyond only access to technology. For it to be considered as actually being put into practice, it needs to involve the assimilation of efficient and responsible use of digital tools. It involves a combination of technical skills, critical thinking, and social awareness to navigate the digital world in a way that is safe, ethical, and productive. So, what steps will you take today to make your classroom more digitally inclusive?


References

  1. European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training. (n.d.). Digital inclusion and well-being. CEDEFOP. https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/tools/vet-toolkit-tackling-early-leaving/intervention-approaches/digital-inclusion-and-well-being

  2. (2023). Digital equity and inclusion in education. OECD Education Working Papers. https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/docserver/7cb15030-en.pdf?expires=1733417194&id=id&accname=guest&checksum=B2D73ED7D52B044FA4A06A8E3702733D 

  3. Thompson, K.M., Jaeger, P.T., Taylor, N.G., Subramaniam, M.M., & Bertot, J.C. (2014). Digital Literacy and Digital Inclusion: Information Policy and the Public Library.

  4. Van der Graaf, M. (2024, January 5). The effects of AI on digital inclusion and digital citizenship. Pleiade. Retrieved December 9, 2024, from https://pleiade.nl/fr/the-effects-of-ai-on-digital-inclusion-and-digital-citizenship/

©2025 by Digi-Civis
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