Adopting Information and Communication Technologies for Effective Inclusive Education

Idorenyin Edet Johnson ,Agnes Lambert Udo

doi:10.7176/jep/11-24-16

Abstract

Education had been identified and used the world over, as the most dynamic tool to achieve societal change. Over the centuries, it has been consistently used to achieve behavioural change and make man useful to himself and his society. However, it has been observed that formal education tends to exclude children and adults who have physical, emotional, intellectual, psychological, locational, linguistic and other challenges. Whereas for education to maximally achieve its objectives, it has to be inclusive. Inclusive education implies an educational system which must include disabled and gifted children, children from remote and nomadic population, street and working children, children from linguistic, ethnic, or cultural minorities as well as children and adults who are disadvantaged or marginalized. To this end, there arise a need to meet the need of every learner and ensure that no one is left out during an instructional exercise. Based on the dynamism of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in education, the writers believe strongly that, if educational ICTs are appropriately adopted and effectively utilized, the challenges of inclusive education could be mitigated. This paper therefore takes a look at the definition, coverage, benefits and challenges of inclusive education. It x-rays ICTs and points out the necessary ICT tools for inclusive education. It outlines the benefits and challenges associated with the effective use of ICTs in inclusive education. Finally, the paper makes replicable recommendations for effective engagement of ICTs in inclusive education for enhanced efficiency. Keywords : Inclusive education, Marginalized, Technological gadgets, Modern ICTs DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-24-16 Publication date: August 31 st 2020

Highlights

Over time, the world over, education has been identified and used as a dynamic change agent
In the words of Lindsey (2007), limited governmental support, inadequate funding, ineffective policies and legislations, insufficient man-power, political instability, economic crises as well as ineffective and insufficient engagement of educational technologies are some of the challenges to inclusive education
In view of the above problems of inclusive education, the writers strongly hold the view that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) could be adopted and appropriately used as effective mitigation measures

Summary

Introduction

The world over, education has been identified and used as a dynamic change agent. There are barriers that are inherent in the educational strategies and programs which make education insufficient, inaccessible and unaffordable to some children, youths and adults This makes for marginalization and exclusion of some persons due to variation in culture, age, ability, place of residence and economic state. Singal (2006) sees inclusive education as being concerned with the learning, participation and equal opportunities for all children, youths, and adults with specific focus on the groups vulnerable to marginalization and exclusion from society life. Coverage of Inclusive Education According to Williams (2005) the scope of inclusive education covers all children and adults, regardless of their physical, intellectual, social, emotional, linguistic, or other conditions It includes disabled and gifted children, street and working children, children from remote or nomadic populations, children from linguistic, ethnic or cultural minorities, and children from other disadvantaged or marginalized areas or groups. While inclusive education is beneficial to the above enumerated people, there are associated challenges that hinder effective inclusive education

Challenges to Effective Inclusive Education

Information and Communication Technologies