Technologies in Inclusive Education: Solution or Challenge? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Inclusive education aims to ensure equitable participation for all students. Technology plays a crucial role in this endeavor by providing tools that eliminate barriers, personalize learning, and foster active participation, especially for students with functional diversity or specific needs. This research examines whether the adoption of technologies facilitates or poses challenges for achieving effective inclusive education. Through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), the most commonly used technologies were identified and both their benefits and challenges were evaluated. The PRISMA methodology was applied, and databases such as Scopus were used, undergoing two study refinement processes, resulting in 93 primary studies that contributed to addressing the posed research questions. The findings reveal the use of various technologies in inclusive educational settings, such as screen readers, braille devices, and augmented reality technologies. Their benefits include improved accessibility, enhanced active participation, and the promotion of critical skills like critical thinking and creativity. These tools help create more motivating and equitable learning environments, which aid in reducing dropout rates and strengthening social inclusion. However, the implementation of these technologies faces significant challenges, such as high costs, lack of adequate training for teachers, social inequalities, and ethical barriers. To maximize the effectiveness of these tools, it is crucial to modernize inclusive policies and tailor educational strategies to the specific needs of each student. This study has limitations, including variability in the quality of the studies analyzed, which may affect the generalization of the results. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of technologies on inclusive education and evaluate the necessary teacher training strategies for their effective implementation.