Digital Inclusion in Education: Global Perspectives on Bridging Gaps in Access, Skills, and Equity

A special issue of Education Sciences (ISSN 2227-7102).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2026 | Viewed by 1029

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Guest Editor
Department of Special Education, Winona State University, Winona, MN 55987, USA
Interests: emotional/behavioral disorders; classroom and behavior management; social skill instruction; video-based instruction; use of technology to enhance student engagement and learning; teacher education
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid digitalization of education has exposed—and in many cases, deepened—existing disparities in access, digital competence, and equitable participation. This Special Issue of Education Sciences invites scholarly contributions that critically examine efforts to foster digital inclusion across diverse educational settings and global contexts.

We welcome original research articles that explore how educators, institutions, and policymakers are addressing digital divides and promoting inclusive, technology-supported learning. Topics may include access to devices and connectivity, digital literacy development, inclusive pedagogical practices, and the role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping equitable learning experiences. We especially encourage work that considers how digital inclusion intersects with structural inequalities related to race, gender, geography, disability, or socioeconomic status.

Submissions utilizing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods methodologies are encouraged. In addition to empirical research, extended review articles, that synthesize findings from substantial research programs or technical reports published elsewhere are welcome.

We encourage submissions focused on all levels of education, from early childhood through higher education and lifelong learning. International, comparative, and interdisciplinary perspectives are actively sought.

Join us in exploring how digital inclusion can transform education systems to become more equitable, accessible, and empowering for all learners.

We look forward to receiving your submissions!

Dr. Erika Pinter
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Education Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • digital inclusion
  • educational equity
  • digital literacy
  • artificial intelligence (AI)
  • inclusive pedagogy
  • access to technology
  • socioeconomic disparities
  • global education

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

12 pages, 559 KB  
Article
Artificial Intelligence in Inclusive Education and Its Relationship with Socioeducational Participation in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
by José Jesús Sánchez Amate and Antonio Luque de la Rosa
Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16050801 - 20 May 2026
Viewed by 361
Abstract
Background: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education offers new opportunities for personalized learning and inclusive practices. However, empirical evidence on its relationship with engagement and participation processes in students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains limited in real classroom contexts. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education offers new opportunities for personalized learning and inclusive practices. However, empirical evidence on its relationship with engagement and participation processes in students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains limited in real classroom contexts. Methods: A non-experimental observational design was used, based on secondary analysis of anonymized educational data from 60 students with ASD in inclusive schools. Participants were classified according to their regular use of AI-based tools, defined as at least three sessions per week over one academic term. Student participation was assessed through a composite index including behavioral engagement, social interaction, academic autonomy, and self-regulation. Independent samples t-tests and Cohen’s d were applied. Results: Students using AI-based tools showed significantly higher levels across all participation dimensions. The strongest differences were found in behavioral engagement and social interaction, with large effect sizes, while autonomy and self-regulation showed moderate differences. Conclusions: AI-based tools are associated with improved engagement and involvement in students with ASD, particularly in observable and interactional dimensions, highlighting their potential for inclusive education. Full article
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