Click, Collect, Connect: Using Digital Tools to Build Inclusive Classrooms

In today’s digital age, the use of technology in the classroom has the power to bridge gaps in creating more inclusive learning environments. Educators are increasingly trying to find new and innovative ways to create classroom settings that support learners and their unique needs and build trusting relationships all while collecting necessary data and teaching. The truth is – creating an inclusive classroom where every student feels seen, heard, and valued can be challenging, but digital tools can alleviate just that. By strategically implementing and integrating the use of digital tools in an educational setting, educators can make certain that learners' needs are met and ensure each child has an equitable opportunity to succeed, no matter their cultural differences or background. 

This article explores a 3-step approach to utilizing technology to build classrooms where all learners feel included and represented. We’ll talk about ways to integrate digital tools in the classroom, use data to personalize learning, and connect with students by fostering collaboration and a sense of belonging for every learner.

Why does inclusion in the classroom matter?

Classrooms are composed of learners with diverse needs and different cultural backgrounds. Creating a classroom that fosters equity and accessibility to all learners leads to a classroom where children feel important. Furthermore, research studies suggest that inclusive classrooms yield positive outcomes for all students including increased social connection, better academic performance, and fewer incidents of disruptive behaviors. When inclusion is practiced in classrooms, students are able to learn in an environment that respects and honors their unique differences, creating a more positive classroom climate for all.

Click: Integrating Digital Tools

Digital tools are online programs, applications, and software that assist individuals in completing tasks quickly and more efficiently. In the classroom, digital tools have the power to encourage collaboration, foster engagement, and accommodate and tailor interventions to the unique learning needs of the students, making learning more personalized and accessible to all learners. 

How can I use digital tools in the classroom to foster inclusivity?

1. Use assistive technology applications, such as screen readers, closed captions, magnifier tools, and speech-to-text software, to accommodate multilingual learners or students with visual and auditory needs.
2. Use Google forms or other digital check in tools to conduct student check ins to assess learner preferences and needs.  
3. Use interactive and engaging digital activities and games, such as Quizziz or Bamboozle, to teach lessons, review materials, or assess learned content.
4. Provide inclusive testing accommodations through digital assessment platforms like Edpuzzle that allow you to choose alternative methods of testing, such as video recording, to fit the needs of your learners.
5. Create a safe and healthy space for well-being by using social-emotional learning apps like Calm and Headspace to support healthy mental health. 

Collect: Using Data to Personalize Learning

Data collection is a pinnacle for supporting learners with disabilities and unique learning needs. Data collection provides clear documentation and evidence of progress made while allowing educators to make informed decisions to ensure that students receive the academic and behavioral support they need to succeed in an educational setting. When personalized learning is used, students are more likely to be engaged, have positive outcomes, and display reduced rates of challenging behaviors.

How can I use data to personalize learning?

1. Use digital tools like Google Forms or Kahoot! to obtain immediate feedback in tracking student understanding for assessment purposes.
2. Data collection programs such as Motivity give educators a seamless way to collect data on various goals in the classroom setting using real-time analytics.
3. School apps, such as Class Dojo, allow educators to collect data on specific behaviors while facilitating communication to inform families of their child’s day.
4. Digital programs that can be personalized and tailored to the unique needs (e.g., strengths and deficits) of your learners, such as Khan Academy and Seesaw. These platforms meet learners where they are and provide students with choices that allow for self-paced learning.

Connect: Fostering Collaboration and Building Inclusivity

Technology has the power to create a sense of belonging and promote inclusion by giving learners of diverse backgrounds and abilities a way to interact, share ideas and opinions, and learn from each other. These tools make it possible for educators to create a classroom where students can connect with their peers.

1. You can use virtual collaboration platforms like Padlet to encourage group discussion about key topics and ideas.
2. Digital whiteboards such as Jamboard enable students to collaborate on projects in a variety of methods.
3. Parent-communication applications, such as Remind, build school to home relationships, keeping families updated on the progress their child is making in school.
4. Utilizing programs like Google Meet and Skype allow students to engage in global collaboration projects and connect with peers of different cultural backgrounds. 

Conclusion: The Future of Digital Technology and Inclusive Classrooms

The key to promoting and fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment with digital tools is intentionality and Click, Collect, and Connect offers educators a practical approach in integrating tools in a way that fosters collaboration and creates a sense of belonging for every learner. 

In a time when technology is the hot topic of conversation and the question of the future, leveraging digital tools in the classroom is becoming essential. The use of digital tools allows educators to personalize learning, acknowledging and honoring the diverse and different needs of their students. By implementing assistive and supportive technology in the classroom, we ensure that all students have equal access to quality education regardless of their disability, culture, or learning style.

In addition, the use of technology can aid educators in making informed, real-time, and data-based decisions on instruction, academic progress, and deficits in learning, ensuring no child is truly “left behind”. Communication, collaboration, and teamwork are strengthened when students use technology that enables them to engage in meaningful discussions and group activities that require peer interaction and involvement. 

By choosing tools that allow students to contribute in ways that feel meaningful and comfortable to them, we foster valuable connections, enhance accessibility, and create a classroom for all.