In the pursuit of lifelong learning outcomes and delivering new education results through technology, DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) is a major part of enhancing the philosophy of learning, and guiding how individuals use ethics to inform their approaches to their fields.
The broader idea of DEI is to develop a set of guiding narratives that will affect learning that professionals do over the long term — through initial education and through a career trajectory. The ideas involved are meant to complement an individual’s technical capacity with an ability to navigate ethical situations and create a more elevated outlook on the world around them, and the people in it.
Let’s talk about some of these DEI initiatives that are having an impact, in conjunction with new edTech services and more.
The Effect of the Pandemic
First of all, pandemic has given us an opportunity to learn and observe how some of the most underserved communities around the world were impacted the most by the coronavirus. That leads to equity efforts that seek to change the equation and balance out the access of world citizens to resources and agency.
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are serious topics for businesses everywhere,” writes an ISMA spokesperson in a relevant press release. “Building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace was a pre-COVID priority …The coronavirus caused setbacks to many of these efforts, as companies went remote and many businesses downsized.”
Knowing this, companies can move forward to counter those effects in a positive way.
DEI and Visibility Efforts
Much of the work of DEI initiatives involves bringing awareness to situations and showcasing how inequity can be changed.
In a column on efforts at her school, Monica Burnette at Seton Hall University talks about visibility efforts including social media and video campaigns, and regular review of programs, as key approaches to implementing the kinds of improvements that will build DEI results. These types of work move the ball forward in accomplishing DEI objectives.
Mitigating Racial Bias in AI
Even some of the biggest names in technology have been encouraging a broader move toward ethical AI. That means governing AI/ML projects with critical human in the loop (HITL) participation to make sure that the use of these technologies correlates to our societal goals and objectives. There’s the threat of “black box” technologies that may introduce their own insidious bias to projects, or become less accountable in how they influence decision-makers. All of that is something to look out for in the context of DEI work.
Coaching and Mentoring
Another aspect of DEI initiatives that’s taking on around the world is the practice of using coaching and mentoring to slowly develop the network connections that will enhance outcomes. While we pursue lifelong learning, we are also learning together, and coaching and mentoring systems provide some of that connective tissue that builds what we are capable of in terms of progress. Programs that have a focus on equitable coaching will often benefit both parties, the mentor and the mentee, as they work together toward better collaboration and world views.
DEI and the Friendship Model
There are also a number of useful models that are being used in DEI initiatives worldwide.
One of these is the Friendship Model, which is described as promoting efforts that will “encourage intellectual justice and charity” and “discourage suspicion.”
These types of collateral programs are way stations on the path toward better Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion outcomes.
EdTech also plays a role — as in the control of AI and ML systems for equitable results, other kinds of educational technology bring more transparency to how individuals work to improve that lifelong learning process. It may seem like an obscure part of education as a whole, but expect DEI to become more a part of the conversation in schools all over the world. Being able to combine DEI goals with technology may be a major part of establishing progress and improving how learners can identify their needs and benchmark their progress.
