Purpose

The application of technology to higher education is contributing in many ways to create a highly adaptable, inclusive learning environment for all. This study intends to analyze the role of technology facilitation in creating an inclusive learning environment in the higher education institutions (HEIs), which would connect multi-ethnic students and academics effectively in the Sri Lankan context. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to explore how technology facilitates inclusive learning in HEIs.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the qualitative research approach, this study generated data from 30 undergraduates and 10 academics from 5 national universities in Sri Lanka to evaluate the effectiveness of technological facilitation in promoting inclusive learning. The data were then thematically analyzed using NVivo 10.

Findings

The nature of technology facilitation in HEIs and influencing factors such as the internet, search engines, mobile apps and software, cost involved, upgraded knowledge, time efficiency and technological devices. Further, the factors contribute to the HEIs and the benefits realized, such as information gathering, time-saving, cost reduction, information sharing, connective communication, easy learning and online services. On the other hand, challenges such as the involved parties’ resistance to technological change, inadequate infrastructure facilities, lack of technical knowledge, negative perceptions and behaviors, technical failures and health issues will also be assessed.

Research limitations/implications

Implications for policy and practice include a thorough understanding of the nature of technology facilitation in an inclusive environment. The researcher has recommended some strategies and mechanisms to the policymakers that will guide them to use technology as a tool to enhance the inclusive learning practices within HEIs.

Originality/value

This paper presents an original review and it contextualizes the technology facilitations in respect of the inclusive learning environment in HEIs.

中文翻译：

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包容性学习的技术促进；斯里兰卡的高等教育机构

目的

技术在高等教育中的应用在许多方面都有助于为所有人创造一个适应性强、包容性强的学习环境。本研究旨在分析技术促进在高等教育机构 (HEIs) 中创造包容性学习环境的作用，这将在斯里兰卡的背景下有效地连接多民族学生和学者。因此，本研究的主要目的是探索技术如何促进高等教育机构的包容性学习。

设计/方法/方法

基于定性研究方法，本研究生成了来自斯里兰卡 5 所国立大学的 30 名本科生和 10 名学者的数据，以评估技术促进在促进全纳学习方面的有效性。然后使用 NVivo 10 对数据进行主题分析。

发现

高校技术促进的性质和影响因素，如互联网、搜索引擎、移动应用程序和软件、所涉及的成本、知识升级、时间效率和技术设备。此外，这些因素有助于 HEI 和实现的好处，例如信息收集、节省时间、降低成本、信息共享、连接通信、易于学习和在线服务。另一方面，还将评估相关方对技术变革的抵制、基础设施设施不足、技术知识缺乏、负面看法和行为、技术故障和健康问题等挑战。

研究限制/影响

对政策和实践的影响包括全面了解包容性环境中技术促进的性质。研究人员向政策制定者推荐了一些策略和机制，以指导他们使用技术作为工具来增强高等教育机构的包容性学习实践。

原创性/价值

本文提出了一篇原创评论，并将技术便利与高等教育的包容性学习环境联系起来。