How can EdTech promote social justice in the classroom?

EdTech, or educational technology, is a powerful tool for not only enhancing teaching and learning, but also addressing social justice issues in the classroom. Social justice refers to providing equitable opportunities, resources, and rights to all people, regardless of their identity, background, or circumstances. In this article, you will discover how EdTech can promote social justice in the classroom by increasing access and inclusion, fostering critical thinking and civic engagement, empowering diverse voices and perspectives, challenging stereotypes and biases, and supporting collaboration and community.

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1 Increasing access and inclusion

One of the main ways that EdTech can promote social justice in the classroom is by increasing access and inclusion for students who face barriers to education. For example, EdTech can provide adaptive and assistive technologies for students with disabilities, online and blended learning options for students in remote or underserved areas, and multilingual and multicultural content for students from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. By using EdTech to increase access and inclusion, teachers can ensure that all students have equal opportunities to participate and succeed in the learning process.

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James E. Geer

Retired Educator (25 years); Bank Auditor; Cost Analyst; Laborer
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Rely upon the basic precepts of non-judgement such as grace, mercy, love, hope, and forgiveness as taught by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit which come from God. Only He is righteous His judgement is individual and eternal. Our personal and professional relationships must be inclusive as we do not have the authority/power to judge.

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2 Fostering critical thinking and civic engagement

Another way that EdTech can promote social justice in the classroom is by fostering critical thinking and civic engagement among students. For example, EdTech can enable students to access and analyze diverse and reliable sources of information, to communicate and debate with peers and experts from different contexts and viewpoints, and to create and share their own digital media and projects on social issues. By using EdTech to foster critical thinking and civic engagement, teachers can help students develop the skills and attitudes needed to become informed and active citizens in a democratic society.

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James E. Geer

Retired Educator (25 years); Bank Auditor; Cost Analyst; Laborer
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Consider the validity and integrity of the information/processes proposed not the social strictures of the one extending the information. The mission must be completed effectively, efficiently, and openly. Otherwise there is both an incompleteness and barriers to ensuring success. Amendments, improvements, adjustments, reconsiderations, and trust are absolute keys to the communication required for teamwork. This necessarily includes acceptance of each individual per their professional knowledge and expertise rather than social strata/indentification.

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3 Empowering diverse voices and perspectives

A third way that EdTech can promote social justice in the classroom is by empowering diverse voices and perspectives among students. For example, EdTech can allow students to express their identities, cultures, and experiences through various forms of digital storytelling, such as podcasts, blogs, videos, or e-portfolios. EdTech can also encourage students to listen to and learn from the stories of others, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed. By using EdTech to empower diverse voices and perspectives, teachers can foster a culture of respect and empathy in the classroom.

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James E. Geer

Retired Educator (25 years); Bank Auditor; Cost Analyst; Laborer
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Enable and encourage absolute open communication - technological agreements/alternatives must be open to every aspect of who, what, when, how, and why in order for the task/mission to be successfully completed. Quote: "It is amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit." (John Wooden). Be a team, support, challenge, and encourage one another toward collective success.

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Giselle Santos🏳🌈

Linkedin Top Voice| Apresentadora do programa Assunto Na Mesa - IA | Google Innovator & Women TechMakers Ambassador | Program Manager | Innovation and Education Consultant
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It is imperative for EdTech to begin its journey towards promoting social justice within the classroom by fostering diversity within its own design and creators. The tools themselves should reflect a range of perspectives and backgrounds, ensuring that diversity is inherent rather than an added feature. This means going beyond tokenistic representations and actively seeking inclusivity in all aspects of EdTech development. Providing space for personalization is equally vital. Platforms should allow users to incorporate their own images, create personalized instructions, and propose assessments that resonate with their unique experiences and cultures.

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4 Challenging stereotypes and biases

A fourth way that EdTech can promote social justice in the classroom is by challenging stereotypes and biases that students may encounter or hold. For example, EdTech can expose students to positive and realistic representations of people from different groups, such as gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. EdTech can also help students to recognize and counteract the negative effects of stereotypes and biases on themselves and others, such as discrimination, prejudice, or self-doubt. By using EdTech to challenge stereotypes and biases, teachers can promote a sense of identity and belonging among students.

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5 Supporting collaboration and community

A fifth way that EdTech can promote social justice in the classroom is by supporting collaboration and community among students. For example, EdTech can facilitate group work and peer feedback among students from different backgrounds, levels, or interests. EdTech can also connect students with local and global communities, such as NGOs, activists, or mentors, who are working on social justice causes. By using EdTech to support collaboration and community, teachers can enhance the social and emotional learning of students, as well as their sense of agency and responsibility.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can EdTech promote social justice in the classroom?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Increasing access and inclusion

2 Fostering critical thinking and civic engagement

3 Empowering diverse voices and perspectives

4 Challenging stereotypes and biases

5 Supporting collaboration and community

6 Here’s what else to consider

Educational Technology

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How can EdTech promote social justice in the classroom?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Increasing access and inclusion

2 Fostering critical thinking and civic engagement

3 Empowering diverse voices and perspectives

4 Challenging stereotypes and biases

5 Supporting collaboration and community

6 Here’s what else to consider

Educational Technology

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