A tool that's really made a difference in creating an inclusive learning environment for my students is Microsoft Teams. It allows me to set up dynamic virtual classrooms where everyone can engage, whether they're participating live or asynchronously. Its breakout room feature is fantastic for facilitating small group discussions, giving every student a chance to speak up and collaborate in a more intimate setting. The built-in accessibility features, such as live captions and screen reader compatibility, ensure that students with different learning needs can access the material comfortably. This commitment to accessibility has fostered a real sense of belonging and equity in the classroom, because every student feels supported and valued. Teams has become a cornerstone in building a collaborative and inclusive educational community that truly meets the needs of all learners.
Among the EdTech tools that really transformed how we build an inclusive and supportive learning environment at Legacy Online School, I would point out AI-powered adaptive learning platforms like Century Tech. We added adaptive AI that tailors each lesson in real time, based on a student's progress, learning style, and strengths, because I strongly believe traditional education too often means some students fall behind and others get bored. The tech tools in education ensure a bespoke roadmap to success for every single student-something which a one-size-fits-all approach could never dream of pulling off. Beyond academics, this type of technology builds belonging by ensuring no student is left behind. Whether a student needs extra support or an accelerated challenge, the system meets them where they are, not where the curriculum says they "should" be.At a global online school like ours, this technology has made learning equitable, engaging, and empowering for students of all backgrounds.
In my role at Modern Campus, one EdTech tool that has significantly improved inclusivity and support in learning environments is the Connected Curriculum platform. This tool helps institutions streamline curriculum management, making it easier for diverse learners to access and steer their education pathways. By having clear, accessible information about course offerings and requirements, students of all backgrounds can feel more secure and supported in their educational journey. Moreover, Connected Curriculum fosters equity by ensuring that all students have access to the same information and resources. For example, it allows for transparent communication about changes in courses or prerequisites, reducing barriers for students who may be juggling other responsibilities or who might not have immediate access to in-person advising. This approach helps create a sense of belonging, as students feel more in control of their educational paths. Through our work with colleges and universities, we've seen how the platform's personalized pathways can lead to increased student engagement and completion rates. Institutions report higher satisfaction among students, especially those from underrepresented groups, confirming the platform's role in promoting an equitable learning environment.
I think TutorCruncher is the best tool for fostering an inclusive learning environment because of its flexible scheduling and easy-to-use communication features. In my case, I have seen how rigid lesson structures can unintentionally leave some students behind, especially those who need additional support or have unpredictable schedules. A platform that allows for quick rescheduling, automated reminders, and clear tracking of lesson history ensures that every student has equal access to learning. When students know they can adjust their lessons without added stress, they are more likely to stay engaged and succeed. I believe a strong sense of belonging comes from knowing that the system is working with you, not against you. When educators can track student progress in one place, provide quick feedback, and adjust lessons based on individual needs, it creates a learning experience that feels personal and supportive. TutorCruncher makes that possible by giving both tutors and students the tools they need to stay connected, organized, and focused on progress.
One EdTech tool that has significantly helped in creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment is Flipgrid. Flipgrid allows students to respond to prompts via short video recordings, which provides an alternative to traditional written responses. This flexibility is particularly valuable for students who may struggle with written expression or need additional time to process their thoughts. Flipgrid fosters a sense of belonging and equity by encouraging students to share their voices in a way that feels comfortable for them. It allows for asynchronous participation, so all students, regardless of time zone or schedule, can contribute to discussions. Additionally, it gives students a chance to see and hear their peers' perspectives, creating a more inclusive classroom culture where diverse viewpoints are valued. The tool also includes features like closed captions and text transcription, which support learners with hearing impairments or those for whom English is a second language. These features ensure that all students have equal access to learning materials and discussions, promoting equity in the learning process. Overall, Flipgrid has helped create an environment where every student feels heard, valued, and included.
As the founder and CEO of MentalHappy, I am invested in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for mental health care. One tool that stands out is our very own MentalHappy platform, designed to create accessible virtual support groups. By offering HIPAA-compliant privacy settings and a user-friendly interface, the platform ensures individuals from diverse backgrounds can participate in a safe and welcoming community. With AI-driven health assessments, we personalize support group recommendations to cater to individual needs, fostering a sense of belonging and equity. For instance, a creative writing support group, Write it Out, was developed specifically because data showed high demand for creative interventions. This personalized approach helps participants feel heard and supported, contributing to improved engagement and retention. Moreover, our platform addresses common barriers like transportation and time constraints by enabling remote participation. A significant case is a behavioral health hospital in Los Angeles, where virtual groups led to over 90% attendance and a 70% improvement in emotional stability. These outcomes highlight how our innovative use of technology creates inclusive spaces for emotional support and learning.
One EdTech tool that has been instrumental in fostering inclusivity is Mentimeter. As a recruiting platform focused on helping candidates, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, succeed in cybersecurity careers, we use Mentimeter to create interactive learning experiences that ensure every voice is heard. Cybersecurity can feel intimidating, especially for career changers or those without traditional tech backgrounds. With Mentimeter, we facilitate anonymous Q&As, live polls, and interactive discussions, allowing learners to engage without fear of judgment. This has been crucial in building a sense of belonging, as participants feel empowered to ask questions, share experiences, and actively contribute. By making learning more accessible, engaging, and psychologically safe, Mentimeter has helped us break down barriers, creating an equitable learning environment where aspiring cybersecurity professionals-regardless of their background-can thrive.
You see, Soundtrap is an online audio production tool that allows students to collaborate on podcasts, music, and spoken-word projects. It gives students who struggle with written assignments an alternative way to express their ideas, making learning more accessible and engaging. I like that it also allows students to work together, promoting a sense of community and inclusivity. One of my clients, a high school teacher, used Soundtrap for an assignment where students had to create a podcast discussing social justice issues. The platform allowed students to record their voices and add background music without needing any external equipment or software. This leveled the playing field for students who may not have access to advanced technology at home. I would highlight that the collaboration feature fostered inclusive discussions among students of different backgrounds and perspectives. My client was able to create a more equitable learning environment where all students felt valued and heard by using Soundtrap. The final podcasts were shared with the entire school, promoting a sense of pride and belonging among the students.
I would share that Flip enables students to record and share video responses instead of written answers. This is particularly helpful for students who struggle with writing, ELLs who feel more comfortable speaking, and students who benefit from visual or verbal engagement. One of my clients implemented Flip into the classroom and saw a significant increase in participation and engagement from all students. Flip allows for anonymous responses, which can help create a safe space for students to express themselves freely without fear of judgment or discrimination. This fosters a sense of belonging and equity in the classroom as students feel included and valued regardless of their background or learning style. You see, Flip has been an invaluable asset in promoting diversity and equity within the classroom.
Edtech Professional & Instructional Designer at Julie Ann H Digital
Answered 8 months ago
Accessibility features - such as those you can find in the settings on Apple devices - can greatly improve accessibility for those with distinct needs.
As the founder and CEO of MentalHappy, I am invested in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for mental health care. One tool that stands out is our very own MentalHappy platform, designed to create accessible virtual support groups. By offering HIPAA-compliant privacy settings and a user-friendly interface, the platform ensures individuals from diverse backgrounds can participate in a safe and welcoming community. With AI-driven health assessments, we personalize support group recommendations to cater to individual needs, fostering a sense of belonging and equity. For instance, a creative writing support group, Write it Out, was developed specifically because data showed high demand for creative interventions. This personalized approach helps participants feel heard and supported, contributing to improved engagement and retention. Moreover, our platform addresses common barriers like transportation and time constraints by enabling remote participation. A significant case is a behavioral health hospital in Los Angeles, where virtual groups led to over 90% attendance and a 70% improvement in emotional stability. These outcomes highlight how our innovative use of technology creates inclusive spaces for emotional support and learning.As the founder of MentalHappy, I've seen how digital platforms can transform support and learning environments by making emotional support both inclusive and accessible. One tool that stands out for fostering a supportive community is our own HIPAA-compliant MentalHappy platform, designed to host and manage virtual support groups. For example, our platform features AI-driven health assessments that petsonalize support group recommendations. This customization ensures that group members feel understood and part of a community aligned with their specific needs and challenges. In one Los Angeles County behavioral health hospital, implementing these tools led to a 70% improvement in emotional stability among participants, illustrating a significant impact on belonging and emotional well-being. By prioritizing data privacy and operational efficiency, MentalHappy allows facilitators to focus on inclusivity and emotional support rather than administrative burdens. Whether it's remote access enhancing attendance rates or AI-improved group matching improving participant fit, our platform is crafted to ensure every group feels like a safe, equitable learning space.
While it's not strictly an EdTech tool, Notion has been a life saver! Not only is the site easy enough to use that anyone can get a hang of it, but it also allows for customization. I can build a special dashboard for my students with all internal tools they need: course information, study guides, etc, that they can refer to and update with comments and questions. It also helos assign group projects, and lets me keep an eye on the progress of every student in real time.
The digital environment requires you and your students to be friendly with emerging techniques. To implement this within my learning environment, I prefer Microsoft Teams as the best option. And here is how it fosters the same: It is a tool that offers different accessibility features, including live captions, screen reading, and immersive reading. This helps students with disabilities and lets them access the content easily. Its collaborative spaces platforms are designed to provide effective collaboration for students so they can work together on projects, share ideas, and give feedback to each other. It helps to form a sense of community and belonging among the students. With this, you and your students can experience personalised learning pathways where you provide an open mindset and environment to your students. Its unique features, like breakout rooms, polls, and integrative whiteboards, help students stay attentive during the sessions.