VIEWS & OPINION Embracing technology in education: Closing


gaps and cultivating inclusion Comment by ELIZABETH ELLIS, Head of School of Digital Education at Arden University


The advantages of digital education are well known; it accommodates diverse learning needs, exposes students to varied industries and offers personalised, flexible learning pathways. Crucially, it holds the promise of narrowing global educational


disparities while enhancing digital literacy – a pressing concern in today’s


increasingly interconnected world.


However, significant


barriers persist on the path to digital education’s full potential. The COVID-19 pandemic aggravated existing disparities, amplifying concerns regarding digital inequality and learning loss, especially among students from disadvantaged backgrounds, who may lack access to devices, internet connectivity and essential digital skills.


The incorporation of technology in education varies significantly across different institutions and regions. While some leverage technology effectively to enhance teaching, learning and administrative processes, others struggle with resource limitations, institutional unwillingness or a lack of digital expertise.


The unfair disparity and obstacles to digital education persist on a global level. In the UK, the Department for Education has acknowledged the difficulties faced by educators in leveraging technology effectively. Beyond the UK, a UNESCO report emphasises the exacerbation of inequalities during the pandemic-induced shift to remote learning, impacting millions of students globally.


Teaching and technology are a superpower


Addressing the digital divide in education requires a versatile approach. Immediate measures, such as grants, free internet access and financial assistance for digital devices can help to alleviate inequalities and stay up to date on rapid digital advancements. Educational institutions, along with government support, bear the responsibility of ensuring access to technology within schools and universities.


Basic access to technology and digital assets ensures that students not only acquire digital skills, but also gain confidence in utilising technology, which is essential for their future – now more than ever. If this is overlooked in early education, universities must step in to fill the gap. Rather than assuming all students are skilled in technology, institutions should provide support and concise courses to enhance students’ digital literacy. At the centre of technological integration lies the need for educational institutions, both schools and universities, to reimagine their approaches to learning, analysis, workflow and administration.


Prioritising the enhancement and value of teaching is vital, facilitating better communication and collaboration among all stakeholders. This means using technology to support with monitoring student attendance and identifying those in need of additional guidance, and to enable educators to streamline lesson planning, so they can focus on teaching and delivering materials effectively.


Empowering educators with the necessary skills is crucial. They must be equipped to critically utilise technology to address existing challenges within education, ultimately enhancing access to learning opportunities.


Tailoring tech to suit the learner


Digital education holds immense potential to tailor educational experiences to individual needs, releasing students from rigid, one-size- fits-all educational frameworks. However, the current reality often sees educational institutions leveraging technology primarily for automation and convenience, unconsciously disrupting the student experience. Research underscores the benefits of educational technology (EdTech) in enhancing learning outcomes. By fostering student-centred learning environments, EdTech empowers learners to take ownership of their educational journey, fostering individuality and independence. Moreover, it significantly boosts student engagement and motivation, shifting the focus of instruction from teacher-led to student-led. Students value adapted and collaborative relationships with their educational institutions, feeling reassured that their educational interests are highlighted. Technology plays a pivotal role in scaling student support services, ensuring that individual needs are met on a broader scale. Similarly to the rise of flexible working arrangements, technology enables flexible learning, expanding educational access, particularly for students unable to attend physical university settings.


Digital education not only enhances learning outcomes but also encourages a more inclusive and empowering educational environment, paving the way for broader access to quality education.


Making use of the technology workshop


By reimagining education with technology at its core, institutions can explore innovative approaches to enrich the student experience. This includes leveraging cutting-edge technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), to expose students to industry applications, and employing interactive solutions to facilitate flexible learning, reiterating the expansion and access to education.


Additionally, ensuring inclusivity involves considering the accessibility of courses. For example, smartphones are often more accessible than laptops, so institutions should explore suitable apps and ensure course materials are mobile-friendly where possible. For students with unreliable internet connections, institutions should also consider strategies to grant access to downloadable or offline resources.


Contrary to common misunderstandings that digital learning solely entails students attending online lectures and webinars, or passively engaging with podcasts and blogs, digital learning exceeds traditional educational avenues. Technological advancements over the past decade have not only enhanced learning engagement but also facilitated personalised learning journeys, particularly for students with diverse needs and abilities. Embracing technology in education holds the promise of widening access to learning opportunities, rather than hindering students’ educational experiences.


When technology is applied as a tool for innovation, rather than a solution, educational institutions can explore new approaches to enriching the student experience. Whether through immersive experiences or interactive learning solutions, technology holds immense potential to revolutionise education entirely.


As Michael Trucano, an EdTech specialist at the World Bank, once said: “If you dump hardware in schools and expect something magical to happen as a result – it won’t.” Instead, a stronger strategy is needed to make sure technology enhances education, which then, in turn, can allow for equality in education across the globe.


To appreciate the transformative potential of technology in education demands a concentrated effort to address existing barriers and foster inclusive, student-centric learning environments. By prioritising teaching, over technology for technology’s sake, educational institutions can harness technology’s power to bridge educational divides and pave the way for digitally-led, quality learning experiences.


24 www.education-today.co.uk March 2024


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