Big Idea: Digital Inclusion in Education
Image from BCEd Access Society.
During this week’s lecture, we heard from guest speakers from BCEd Access who discussed technology and inclusion in the classroom. The lecture opened with a discussion of identity and an introduction to the concept of the “invisible backpacks” that students bring to class before pivoting to an explanation of the different technologies that can be used to make learning more accessible.
As someone who didn’t possess much prior knowledge about this topic, it was interesting to hear about accessible tech devices as well as the more logistical side of how funds are allocated to different districts and schools.
The speakers also drew our attention to issues of access when it comes to inclusive technologies, particularly for families who may not have appropriate devices or an internet connection at home. While I don’t have an answer to this complex problem, it is something I definitely want to keep in mind during my career as a teacher. I was especially grateful to learn about the existence of the BC Technology for Learning Society, a resource which provides technology for little or no cost to families who may not otherwise be able to afford it.
Going forward as a teacher, I want to work to create a classroom that facilitates learning for all students, and to keep in mind the importance of access to inclusive technologies. I also want to make an effort to be flexible and open to making exceptions to rules such as the phone policy for students who may benefit from access to them during the day.