This article leverages existing literature around the use of telepresence robots to provide a conceptualisation of virtual inclusion. Telepresence involves the use of mediating technology to generate connection with others in a remote context. Recent developments have seen telepresence robots used to create a sense of 'being there' when the…

In the international arena, the use of technology as a tool for accessing information but also for creating content and sharing that generated content is beginning to gain importance. The main objective of this article is to provide knowledge of the new tools used in the international context in cultural access and to facilitate understanding, use…

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, teachers around the United States shifted to distance learning practically overnight. In both general education and special education, many teachers did not have tools or strategies in place to provide deaf students with accessible lessons and support. Teachers needed to change their materials quickly and…

In this paper, we aim to provide readers with three critical concepts that can maximize inclusivity of learner experience (LX) and user experience (UX) design: accessibility, usability, and universal design for learning (UDL). Although recent K-12 and postsecondary education have experienced rapid change in its student population with the growing…

Introduction: Proficient use of technology requires many intersecting skills including literacy, citizenship, advocacy, self-determination, and digital competence. In this study, the authors engaged experts in the field of visual impairment in focus groups with the purpose of defining digital competence, discussing issues related to visual…

Dr. David Rose is perhaps best known for his connection to the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) and as a main and driving force behind the collection of instructional, assistive, and access principles known as Universal Design for Learning (UDL). His research background includes principal investigator on National Science Foundation and…

Currently, only 22% of high school graduates meet the basic requirements for one or more college courses in mathematics, science, reading, or English signifying fewer students with the skills to enter careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) (Smithsonian Science Education Center, 2015). In contrast, science and…

The COVID-19 pandemic and the move to remote education exposed old and new inequities, yet it also represented an opportunity to rethink inclusive education. This paper presents findings from a one-year project "DIGITAL in a time of Coronavirus" and draws upon policy analysis and interviews with teachers, principals, and community…

Purpose: The main objective of this article is to contribute to the field of accessibility in the teaching of sign language in the international panorama, examining its applicability, evaluation methods as well as the assistive technologies used to improve teaching experiences and the creation of new materials, proposing a theoretical framework…

This empirical research study investigates the relationship between the utilization of Universal Design (UD) elements and math performance among eighth graders. We analyzed 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress process data using Poisson Generalized Linear Mixed-Effects Models to examine how the frequency of UD element usage varies…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field that is influencing every aspect of life. Generative AI (GenAI) as a sub-branch of AI is used to create content in various formats such as text, images, video, and audio. This paper discusses the implications of GenAI for Open Educational Practices (OEP), highlighting the potential…

This study focuses on the use of Google Classroom as assistive technology in inclusive classrooms. Findings were based on data collected through single-case study methodology in semi-structured formal and informal interviews with eight teachers and a focus group with six students at one junior high school in the province of Newfoundland and…

The potential of ChatGPT is explored as an assistive technology tool within the framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to provide targeted support for college students with disabilities. As colleges and universities strive to promote inclusive practices, the implementation of UDL principles has gained significance. ChatGPT's interactive…

The rapid digitalisation of learning has had demonstrable impacts on access to education for students with a print disability. In higher education contexts, learning management systems (LMS) have become the predominant method for distributing content. This conceptual article addresses how students with print disabilities such as vision impairment,…

To efficiently create books and other instructional content from videos and further improve accessibility of our course content we needed to solve the scene detection (SD) problem for engineering educational content. We present the pedagogical applications of extracting video images for the purposes of digital book generation and other shareable…