EDCI 338 Blog Post#3- Personalized Learning Network
When I think about inclusion in education, I see it as making sure everyone has an equal chance to learn and feel like they belong. It’s not just about helping certain students, it’s about recognizing that everyone learns differently and deserves to be supported in their own way. Still, there’s often a gap between what inclusion means in theory and how it actually looks in classrooms. Many instructors want to be inclusive but still rely on teaching methods that don’t work for every type of learner. As Addy (2022) explains, when courses aren’t designed with diverse learners in mind, whether in content, accessibility, or cost, it can leave students feeling excluded or unseen.
From my experience as a student, some professors really try to be inclusive. They offer flexibility in assignments, make space for different opinions, and show understanding when students face challenges. But I’ve also been in classes where inclusion doesn’t seem like a priority, and certain perspectives are overlooked. It’s made me realize that inclusion takes awareness and consistent effort, not just good intentions. Small actions, like checking in with students or using more inclusive examples, can make a big difference in helping people feel valued and supported.
Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) connect closely to this idea. They give people a chance to learn from diverse voices and experiences, which helps build awareness around what inclusion can look like in different spaces. For me, hearing from educators and students who share their own challenges and ideas online has helped me see inclusion as something that’s active and ongoing. A PLN lets people learn from lived experiences, not just academic theories, and that can shift how we think about equity and access.
In the end, inclusion means more than representation, it’s about creating environments where everyone feels like they belong and can succeed. Addy (2022) reminds us that inclusion is effective teaching, and it’s something that needs to be built into every part of education, not added as an afterthought.
References:
https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/inclusive-teaching-effective-teaching