Advancing Inclusive Digital Education: Highlights from the NERA2025 Conference

In a pivotal session at the NERA2025 (The Nordic Educational Research Association) conference held in Helsinki this March, representatives from the University of Iceland, a consortium partner of the Atollo project, led a crucial discussion on the state of inclusive digital education. Anna Magnea Hreinsdóttir and Skúlína Hlíf Kjartansdóttir, both from the University of Iceland, presented their collaborative research titled “Inclusive Digital Education for All? A Comparative Policy Analysis across Global, European, and National Levels.”

Inclusive Digital Education: A Global to National Overview

The study, authored by an international team comprising Tobias Buchner and Brigitta Höger from the University of Education Upper Austria, Austria; Kaloyan Damyanov from the Regional Centre for Inclusive Education Sofia, Bulgaria; Anna Magnea Hreinsdóttir and Skúlína Hlíf Kjartansdóttir from the University of Iceland, Iceland; Sonja Alimović from the University of Zagreb, Croatia; and Lillian Gran from Inland Norway University, Norway, delves into the integration of digital tools into educational systems to foster inclusivity.

Global and European Strategies for IDE

The presentation highlighted the various initiatives at the global and European levels, pointing out that organisations like UNESCO and UNICEF have been instrumental in advocating for digital tools to expand educational access, particularly for marginalized groups. The European Union, through its Digital Education Action Plan, has also played a crucial role by emphasizing the need for digital education ecosystems that cater to all learners, including those with special educational needs.

Diverse National Approaches

By examining policies in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Iceland, and Norway, the presentation provided a comparative analysis of how inclusive digital education is being addressed differently at the national level. For instance, Norway has robust policies for inclusive education but faces challenges in consistent implementation across educational settings. Contrastingly, Austria, while advancing in digital infrastructure, lacks specific references to inclusive education in its policy documents.

The Need for Unified Policies

One of the critical takeaways from the session was the need for more cohesive and coherent policies across all levels of governance. This coherence is vital to bridge the gaps between high-level advocacy for inclusive digital education and its practical application on the ground.

Implications and Future Directions

The research presented at NERA2025 is more than just an academic exercise; it serves as a foundational stone for policymakers, educators, and educational institutions. It underscores the necessity of developing inclusive digital education policies that do not just exist on paper but are actionable and impactful, ensuring that no learner is left behind in the digital revolution of education.

The Atollo Project is proud to be associated with such significant research through our partnership with the University of Iceland. The insights shared by our colleagues at NERA2025 are invaluable for shaping the future of inclusive digital education, ensuring that it becomes a reality across educational landscapes worldwide.

As we continue to advocate for and develop inclusive educational practices, the contributions from this presentation will undoubtedly influence our approaches and strategies moving forward, paving the way for a truly inclusive digital learning environment.