Page 34 - Digital handbook - English

04 Inclusive digital education

Although there are many obstacles to implementing inclusive education, the thoughtful
integration of digital technologies can enhance the teaching and learning process,
improve accessibility for those who require it, and offer more personalized learning
experiences. If used appropriately, digital tools can contribute to more inclusive

education systems (OECD 2023, 14).

In recent years, the rapid advancement of technology, along with changes in attitudes

and policies aimed at promoting more equitable educational opportunities for everyone,
has created new priorities and demands for inclusive digital education and blended
learning. This is also at the core of the European Union’s Digital Education Action Plan
(2021-2027) policy initiative, which ‘offers a long-term strategic vision for high quality,
inclusive and accessible European digital education (EASNIE 2023C, 9).

The European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education are an independent
organisation that acts as a platform for collaboration for the ministries of education in

their member countries, of which Slovenia, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Germany and Bulgaria
are part of (EASNIE 2023).

Their work is mainly focused on supporting the development of inclusive education
systems to ensure every learner’s right to inclusive and equitable educational

opportunities, which enhances the learners’ life chances and possibilities for actively
participating in society.

Their Inclusive Digital Education Report examines the need for inclusive education and
digital transformation to be considered in an interrelated way. It analyses research,
policy, practice trends and expert views, giving an overview of developments and
highlighting issues in inclusive digital education that still need to be addressed.

The vision of inclusive (and digital) education:
●involves all levels of the education system – from the individual (learners and teachers),
to the organisational (schools), to the regional or national level;

● addresses inclusion, exclusion, digitalisation and the digital divide as interconnected,
interdependent cross-cutting issues;
●is anchored in the education system’s structures to foster resilient education systems
that offer equitable education opportunities for all learners;
● is based on digital transformation that goes far beyond merely applying digital

technologies in education (EASNIE 2022, 1).

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