New research from Digital Schoolhouse (DSH), the national computing programme which uses play based learning to engage the next generation of pupils with the computing curriculum, into Diversity and Inclusion shows the programme effectively reaches pupils across a range of diverse backgrounds.
The study, researched and written by third-party academics Dr Irene Bell, Andrew Csizmadia and Dr Yota Dimitriadi following an online survey and virtual interviews with DSH’s lead teachers, focused on four areas of Diversity and Inclusion: special educational needs or disability (SEND), ethnicity and race, gender and socio-economic inequality.
The research found that the DSH programme did effectively engage pupils across all four areas of diversity and inclusion.
Whilst 74% of lead teachers indicated that the DSH resources appealed equally to all pupils, there was encouragement to ensure that all DSH workshops were suitable for children with physical disabilities specifically.
The survey revealed that the DSH lead teachers felt that 52% of pupils designated as SEND engaged ‘a lot’ with the lessons and events, and no DSH Lead teacher felt that pupils designated as SEND did not engage at all.
Additionally, 96% of the Lead teachers indicated that the resources and lessons were appropriate for delivery to pupils irrespective of their ethnicity and background.
When asked to suggest ways in which DSH resources could promote further diversity and inclusion more than half the respondents suggested including a range of supporting images on the resources within the teaching packs.
Meanwhile, 91% of lead teachers agreed that the DSH resources appeal equally to both genders. The collaborative nature of the activities was also regarded as an inclusive approach for all but especially for female pupils.
Finally, over 95% of the lead teachers indicated that pupils on ‘Free School Meals’ were able to engage with the resources and lessons.
Within the context of socio-economic background, praise was specifically given to the recently created Learning Remotely Resources (2020), including How To Raise a Tech Genius. One Minute Mentor was also named as a fantastic resource for career guidance, promoting and encouraging engagement and inclusivity for all children.
The report also made a number of recommendations to further support diversity and inclusion within the DSH programme, including delivering teacher training on inclusivity, signposting to diversity and inclusion resources effectively and developing resources such as DSH’s One Minute Mentor archive to ensure imagery promotes equality.
Shahneila Saeed, director of Digital Schoolhouse and head of education at Ukie said of the report:
“We are thrilled with the outcomes; and take on board the recommendations set with a view to continuously strive for improvement.
Catering to diverse audiences, being inclusive and ensuring equal access for all learners to high quality education is and should be an intrinsic part of everything we do. Computing is a fun subject, one that we can all engage in and indeed need to if we are going to play our part in shaping what tomorrow’s world looks like.”
In line with this, the report ends with questions those in education can ask when developing opportunities for students. Topics include how to promote identity development and inclusive representation as well as how to plan for access and engagement.
Download the report here: https://www.digitalschoolhouse.org.uk/media/Documents-and-reports/dsh-diversity-and-inclusion-report-2021.pdf