Inclusive innovations: Promoting digital equity and inclusion through technological solutions

Abstract

The prevalence of digitalization, both within and outside the education sector, has been progressively growing in recent decades. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of having adequate technology resources and well-defined strategies for teaching and learning with digital technologies. This became evident as educational sectors transitioned to digital distance learning when educational institutions were forced to close and alter their traditional practices. As such, the pandemic exposed the extent and scope of digital disparities and exclusionary behaviors that hindered the progress of certain students, especially those already disadvantaged. Thus, given that access to digital infrastructure and technologies continues to be a difficult principal concern for all nations, this chapter examined how digital equity and inclusion in technological solutions can engender inclusive innovations in higher education institutions in two traditional South African universities. Research findings revealed that digital equity and inclusion are crucial for revolutionizing educational practices by ensuring equal opportunities, empowering underrepresented communities, fostering digital citizenship, closing the gap in access to technology, training staff, and students, and offering fair learning experiences for all the relevant stakeholders in the higher education institutions.