Leveraging Technology for Inclusive Education: The Power and Challenges of Using Technology in the Classroom

Orly Lobel, in her 2022 book The Equality Machine: Harnessing Digital Technology for a Brighter, More Inclusive Future, argues that our relationship with digital technology is complex, seeing it as both a helper and a leader. While she acknowledges the potential risks associated with technology, Lobel emphasizes its power to promote social good and achieve equality.

One of the critical sectors where equal access and quality services are essential values is education. Technology has increasingly become relevant in pursuing educational objectives, especially when traditional methods reach their limitations. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, technology played a vital role in offering different learning options when schools had to close. With technological support, most students were able to continue their education despite the closures.

Another important issue currently being examined is the training of teachers for continuous professional development (CPD). This is crucial as educators need to adapt to new teaching methods and knowledge. However, not all teachers have the same opportunities for professional growth. Scale poses a challenge as there are over 4 million teachers in need of training. Formal training programs often vary depending on government resources and teacher readiness. Distance is another barrier as teacher training facilities are typically concentrated in major cities, placing teachers in rural areas at a disadvantage.