Emerging technologies for diverse and inclusive education from a sociocultural perspective
Sdenka Zobeida Salas‐Pilco, Yuqin Yang, Jan van Aalst · British Journal of Educational Technology · 2022
In recent decades, emerging technologies have affected various fields, bringing opportunities and the need for increasing integration of new technologies and modalities in our society.In education, emerging technologies have also been used to transform teaching and learning.The implementation of emerging technologies in the education sector is now providing innovative alternatives to improve students' learning processes and teachers' practices (Oliveira et al., 2019).Emerging technologies offer unprecedented opportunities, benefits and challenges.In particular, educational opportunities are foundational to building strong societies; however, access to learning opportunities remains unequally distributed.Therefore, the aim of this special section of British Journal of Educational Technology is to provide insights on how emerging technologies can be used to support diverse and inclusive education and address learners' unique needs.This is especially true for students belonging to groups that are excluded and marginalized due to their sociocultural background (Hamburg & Bucksch, 2017; Salas-Pilco, 2020).This special section brings important contributions to the existing body of educational technology research from the perspective of emerging technology applications.The empirical and theoretical studies included in this special section critically examine and reflect on the role of emerging technologies in transforming learning experiences, teaching practices and the education system.The selected studies draw on diverse methodological approaches, datasets and theoretical frameworks, providing an understanding of how the new technologies blend into educational practices across all levels.Moreover, these studies provide practical solutions for learners, educators, administrators and researchers.