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By Maryanne Kimani, Program Officer – MELS, PAL Network
In the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya, a transformative workshop unfolded on August 3rd and 4th, 2023. This workshop, hosted by RELI (Regional Education Learning Initiative) EdTech, wasn’t just a gathering of minds—it was a dynamic platform where participants delved deep into the subject of equity in Educational Technology (EdTech).
Picture this: a diverse group of individuals, representing 12 organizations and government bodies, came together to refine the draft Equity in EdTech framework. These passionate contributors didn’t just attend; they actively shaped the future of EdTech by sharing reflections, personal experiences, and insights gleaned from literature reviews. This wasn’t a mere discussion; it was a collective effort to foster equity in EdTech.
Why does equity in EdTech matter so much, you ask? Well, it’s a powerful equalizer, a force that can ensure every child, regardless of background or circumstances, has equal access to quality education. Imagine children in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions, facing geographic, socio-economic, and infrastructural barriers. EdTech interventions break down these barriers, offering remote learning opportunities, interactive digital resources, and personalized learning experiences.
In the workshop, discussions unfolded like a tapestry of ideas, highlighting the nuanced nature of solutions. There were bright spots, like the transformative potential of mobile phones in bridging educational gaps, the effectiveness of government programs, innovative approaches like AI reaching marginalized learners, and the crucial role of political will and government support.
Collaboration was the buzzword. The EdTech equity framework emerged not just as a guide but as a self-assessment tool, to help developers and deployers align their projects with the diverse realities of educational environments. The framework will serve as a benchmark, ensuring that every EdTech project adheres to quality standards.
The integration of technology was viewed not as a replacement for educators but as a support system. Balancing technology with human connection, understanding that effective technology builds on existing tools, and recognizing teachers as part of the solution were pivotal.
The narrative expanded to user diversity and user-centric design. Creating equitable EdTech solutions meant understanding the spectrum of needs among students and educators. Inclusivity became the guiding principle, accommodating factors like language preferences, accessibility for users with disabilities, and tailoring EdTech solutions to different learning styles.
An equity lens in design practices was unveiled, emphasizing the importance of universal design principles. Inclusive design created interfaces, features, and functionalities inherently usable by everyone, transcending abilities. Collaboration among educators, developers, deployers, and policymakers became the linchpin for crafting comprehensive equity in EdTech frameworks.
The framework’s implications reached far and wide, shaping the future landscape of educational technology. It wasn’t just a guide; it was a beacon influencing technology development, policies promoting equitable digital resource access, and inspiring innovation. The vision was clear—equal access to high-quality education through technology.
As the RELI EQUIP equity framework co-creation workshop concluded, it left an indelible mark on the evolving EdTech space. It wasn’t just about the post pandemic accelerating technology-enhanced learning; it was about advocating for equity that dismantles barriers, empowering learners, educators, technologists, and policymakers. It was a call to transform education accessibility, steering EdTech toward equity and ensuring no child is left behind in the digital divide. And so, the story of equity in EdTech continues, an inspiring journey towards a future where every learner’s potential is natured.
