FRIDAY 17th February
CLOSING PLENARY
ELT, INCLUSION AND TECHNOLOGY
María José Galleno
Inclusive practices in the classroom have been an issue of concern for many teachers. Legislation and school policies have encouraged the move towards a more inclusive environment. Teachers are also encouraged to apply practices that create 21st century learners with student independence amongst other skills being an important attribute to acquire. Therefore, it is vital for students to become aware and be given the opportunity to use tools to become independent learners, which will also improve their confidence. Can we use technology to make our lives a bit easier and better equip students? What tools are our there?
The role of technology in the classroom does not have to mean that it takes over, instead, it could be used to enhance learning opportunities. It will allow them to become independent learners, freeing them from their dependence on simplified material and special aid from the teacher. Therefore, the use of such tools will enable teachers to deliver more valuable lessons, in which they can engage the students, while the students who did not have the possibility to grasp the content may have an opportunity to do so, thus creating a fully inclusive classroom by using technology to enhance learning.