Digital Tools for Promoting accessible and Inclusive Education in HEIs: Are Faculties Geared Up?

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) being centres of knowledge, need to focus on education models which aims at providing quality education to all the learners despite their individual challenges. Inclusive education aims at developing a learning environment that considers the diverse needs and learning style of each learner. Thoughtful use of technology can go a long way in promoting inclusive education within HEIs. The role of faculty is crucial in creating an inclusive learning environment. Furthermore, institutional support is warranted to ensure the success of educator’s efforts. Therefore, it is important to understand the level of awareness and challenges faced by faculties in the usage of digital tools and the role of institutions in supporting faculties endeavors towards the usage of digital tools. The proposed study aims to assess the faculty awareness regarding digital tools for inclusive education. It also intends to identify the main methodological approach followed by faculties for the integration of digital tools and to understand the key challenges faced in the process for understanding student’s needs. Furthermore, it also aims to analyze the role of institutional mechanisms as enablers or hindrances in the digital inclusion effort of faculties. Purposive sampling technique has been used to identify the respondents from management institutes from India & Nepal and semi-structured in-depth interviews has been conducted to understand their viewpoints. Qualitative content analysis would be performed using ATLAS.ti 25 and themes are identified using inductive coding approach. The preliminary findings reveal lower awareness levels, lack of facilities, poor institutional support, infrastructure and trainings The study contributes significantly towards discussion and deliberation towards promoting inclusive education in HEIs and the role of digital technologies.