Role of Technology for Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity

Abstract

In this 21st century, technology has brought revolutionary change in global realm, specifically in information society, which influenced all the different fields of human society. To compete in world economy, nations cannot think of their development without the integration of technology (such as information and communication technology) in their educational systems (United Nations, 2005). Information and communication technology (ICT) is proved very useful to attain educational objectives in inclusive setting, where all children are taught in common classroom regardless of their socio-economic, cultural, religious, regional, caste and creed backgrounds. The task of providing qualitative and accessible education to differently abled children has become a shared responsibility for all stakeholders (Ahmad,2015;Praisner,2003); which demands a change in attitude, the presence and accessibility of infrastructure facilities, different methods and strategies of teaching and learning, varied tools and techniques for assessment and evaluation, and the solution of issue of acceptance and accommodation of all learners at all levels in education system(Ahmad,2014;2015b;Stainback & Stainback,1984). Assistive devices and assistive equipments of Information and communication technology facilitate children with varied impairments in inclusive setting. Researches proved that information and communication technology has played a crucial role to bring equality among all learners in the inclusive classrooms, however the efficiency in educational process can be achieved only through the involvement of stakeholders of education and with the efforts of different countries ( in terms of finance disbursement and provision of infrastructure facilities).