Tech-powered inclusion: Widening participation and increasing accessibility for learners

Learners of all ages increasingly believe – and, to an extent, expect – that college courses should fit around their work and life commitments. As a result, many colleges are now actively integrating technology into their delivery models in order to provide the flexibility and accessibility that society is increasingly accustomed to. 

However, it has taken colleges some time to find the right blend of online and in person learning. As experts in blended learning, we work with colleges across the country to support the integration of Online and On Campus delivery, allowing them to reach learners who may otherwise have been unable to overcome certain barriers to education. These might include distance or the need for flexibility around other commitments, as well as language barriers or a requirement to adapt their studies to suit individual learning needs.

This has been an area of considerable research for Mindful Education, and over the summer we have conducted our own learner research project, contacting hundreds of past learners about their experience about using media and technology for their studies. We’ve uncovered valuable insights about the practical needs of SEND and ESOL learners, which we look forward to sharing at the upcoming AoC Annual Conference.

At the conference, Mindful Education’s Managing Director, Mark Mckenna, will be joined by a panel of experts to host a breakout session. Together, they will explore the data we have collected, and discuss how colleges can ensure that their courses are as accessible and inclusive as possible.