Is Digital Learning Truly Inclusive? A Critical Examination
Author(s): Prof. (Dr.) Vinod Kumar Kanvaria1, Surabhi Verma2
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64880/theresearchdialogue.v5i1.37
Abstract
Digital learning has become foundational to contemporary education and the production and consumption of knowledge in schools‚ media‚ the workplace‚ and everyday life․ The most prominent issues of curricular digital education involve matters of access‚ infrastructure‚ language‚ disability‚ and design․ In this article the assumption of technological neutrality supporting digital learning infrastructures (VLEs‚ LMSs‚ etc․) is questioned․ These infrastructures are‚ it is argued‚ socio-technical infrastructures that either reproduce or reduce discrimination․ Drawing on inclusive education‚ Science and Technology Studies (STS)‚ Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and digital equity‚ inequalities in the provision of education are explored․ Fourth‚ it analyses and discusses discrepancies in infrastructures‚ interfaces‚ languages and datafication in regards to education․ Fifth‚ it highlights the 4Ps (Presence‚ Participation‚ Protection‚ Progress) framework as an approach for evaluation of inclusive digital learning environments․ More broadly‚ the review discusses umbrella topics of multilingual scaffolding‚ accessibility‚ teacher mediation and the TPACK model‚ and ethical considerations of AI and data governance․ The case studies of First Bell in Kerala‚ India and Aprendo en Casa in Peru illustrate that inclusive education requires a multimodal‚ low-bandwidth‚ and learner-centered approach that is firmly rooted in values of social justice and public interest design․
Keywords: Digital inclusion; Educational technology; Universal Design for Learning (UDL); Digital divide; Inclusive education
Cite this Article:
Prof. (Dr.) Vinod Kumar Kanvaria1, Surabhi Verma2, “Is Digital Learning Truly Inclusive? A Critical Examination” The Research Dialogue, Open Access Peer-reviewed & Refereed Journal, Pp-303–315, Volume-05, Issue-01, April-2026, https://theresearchdialogue.com/
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