In week 10, we talked about inclusive and accessible education. One of the first things we talked about was who we are. As mentioned in the slides, our identities are made up of race, religion, disabilities, class, trauma, relational status, gender, sexual identity, and more. I think identity is something that is super important to talk about with students. Our identity is who we are, and we should be aware of that. Everyone has a unique identity, but no matter how you identify, you should be accepted. This is why it is so important to be an inclusive educator and to provide accessible resources and information. We all have different abilities and struggles, but we should all have access to education. Luckily, with technological advances, new resources are available to help those who need it.

Supportive Technology:

There are tons of online tools and resources that can help educators make learning accessible for all. Some of the tools and resources we talked about in class include:

• Text to Speech
• Translators
• Microphones and Hearing Aids
• Subtitles on Videos
• Noise Cancelling Headphones
• iPads (and other devices) for Online Learning

Technology tools like these can be beneficial for making learning inclusive and accessible for all students. In our society, technology is something that we are now relying on, so having online tools to help make technology accessible is crucial, especially when using technology in the classroom. Technology can help those who struggle with reading, writing, speaking, hearing, and so much more. I think that in the future, we should continue to strive for accessible technology that helps everyone feel included.

Challenges with Inclusive and Accessible Technology:

While technology offers many tools to help learning become accessible, there are some problems and challenges that can come along with this. Some of these challenges that we talked about include:

• Lack of Access: Technology can be expensive, and low income families or schools may not be able to gain access to technology.
• Lack of Knowledge: With these quick advances in technology, educators or parents may not feel like they understand how to use online tools. This can feel overwhelming, and can cause a negative association with technology.
• Privacy (or lack of privacy): It can be hard to know what websites or tools are secure. When using technology with students, it is important to know the privacy risks, and ensure that parents and students give consent if their personal information is being shared outside of the classroom.
• Distractions: Technology like iPads, cell phones, or Chromebooks leave room for tons of distractions. Online games and other apps can be distracting and can limit student learning.

With every positive to technology, there are also negatives. Even though I do see how beneficial technology can be (especially in the classroom), I do see how it can quickly become an issue.

Overcoming Challenges with Technology:

I can definitely see myself utilizing technology in the classroom. I think it is important to teach students how to use it correctly, seeing as how they are more than likely going to be using it in their lives. I also think that the tools listed above can be great for creating an inclusive and accessible classroom environment. To overcome some of the challenges with technology, I think everyone should try their best to educate themselves on the benefits and risks of the technology they are going to be using. Without being educated on what you are using in your classroom, I do not think you should be using it. Researching the tools you plan on using ensures that you are keeping your students safe, and also allows you to use the tools as efficiently as possible. Technology should be used with caution, but I believe that it is necessary to educate students about safe online use. Technology also has the added benefit of improving access to learning, which is something that I believe to be necessary in a classroom. All in all, technology offers educators many resources that help students learn in accessible and inclusive ways, but students should be taught about online safety and using technology correctly.

Sources:

Lau, K., & Blajberg, N. (2025, March 11). Technology and Inclusion [Guest Speaker]. BCEdAccess Society.