Black-oriented EdTech and public interest technology: a framework for accessible and ethically designed technology for K-12 students

Abstract

Abstract This study explores the intersection of public interest technology (PIT) and K-12 Black-oriented educational technology (EdTech) platforms in addressing educational inequities and racial biases. Despite the increased adoption of EdTech in K-12 settings, it often perpetuates racial biases, marginalizing Black students. Conversely, Black-oriented educational technology has been established to counter the marginalization of Black students by centering Black culture and realities in educational content (Young, P.A. 1999. Roads to travel: a historical look at African American contributions to instructional technology. University of California, Berkeley), emphasizing principles of ethical, accessible, and impactful technology use aligned with PIT. However, research on these digital platforms is limited. This study employs multimodal critical discourse analysis to examine three K-12 Black-oriented platforms – KaiXR, Reconstruction, and TunTimo – developed by Black women, to understand how they address technology inclusion and counteract racial biases in mainstream EdTech.