From Good Intentions to Real Outcomes
Equity by Design in Learning Technologies
Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Education & Teaching, Teaching, Computers & Technology, Teaching Methods
| Author: | Mizuko Ito, Justin Reich | ISBN: | 9780988725553 |
| Publisher: | Digital Media and Learning Research Hub | Publication: | October 30, 2017 |
| Imprint: | Digital Media and Learning Research Hub | Language: | English |
| Author: | Mizuko Ito, Justin Reich |
| ISBN: | 9780988725553 |
| Publisher: | Digital Media and Learning Research Hub |
| Publication: | October 30, 2017 |
| Imprint: | Digital Media and Learning Research Hub |
| Language: | English |
The growth of online communication, media, and gaming is driving dramatic changes in how we
learn. Responding to these shifts, new forms of technology-enhanced learning and instruction, such
as personalized learning, open online courses, educational games and apps, and tools for learning
analytics, are garnering significant public attention and private investment. These technologies
hold tremendous promise for improving learning experiences and outcomes. Despite this promise,
however, evidence is mounting that these new technologies tend to be used and accessed in unequal
ways, and they may even exacerbate inequity.
In February and May 2017, leading researchers, educators, and technologists convened for in-depth
working sessions to share challenges and solutions for how learning technologies can provide the
greatest benefits for our most vulnerable learners.The aim was to develop guiding principles and a
shared agenda for how educational platforms and funders can best serve diverse and disadvantaged
learners. These principles include inclusive design processes, ways of addressing barriers, and methods
to effectively measure impact.
This report synthesizes the research, learnings, and recommendations that participants offered at
the two workshops. After framing the nature of the challenge, the report then describes promising
strategies and examples, and it ends with recommendations for next steps in research and coalition
building.
The growth of online communication, media, and gaming is driving dramatic changes in how we
learn. Responding to these shifts, new forms of technology-enhanced learning and instruction, such
as personalized learning, open online courses, educational games and apps, and tools for learning
analytics, are garnering significant public attention and private investment. These technologies
hold tremendous promise for improving learning experiences and outcomes. Despite this promise,
however, evidence is mounting that these new technologies tend to be used and accessed in unequal
ways, and they may even exacerbate inequity.
In February and May 2017, leading researchers, educators, and technologists convened for in-depth
working sessions to share challenges and solutions for how learning technologies can provide the
greatest benefits for our most vulnerable learners.The aim was to develop guiding principles and a
shared agenda for how educational platforms and funders can best serve diverse and disadvantaged
learners. These principles include inclusive design processes, ways of addressing barriers, and methods
to effectively measure impact.
This report synthesizes the research, learnings, and recommendations that participants offered at
the two workshops. After framing the nature of the challenge, the report then describes promising
strategies and examples, and it ends with recommendations for next steps in research and coalition
building.
