Rising from the Margins: Co-Creating Inclusive Digital Learning for Every Child
Center for programming and digital creativity "KIBERone Banja Luka
Session 340
From Access to Belonging: Designing Learning Environments Where Every Child Can Participate
Rising from the Margins: Co-Creating Inclusive Digital Learning for Every Child explores how digital education can move beyond access and towards meaningful participation for children with diverse learning needs.
Across many educational systems, children with mild and moderate developmental difficulties, neurodiverse learners, and children facing social vulnerability continue to encounter barriers to participation in digital learning environments. While technology has expanded educational opportunities, many digital platforms remain designed around standard learning pathways, leaving some children excluded from full engagement.
This session presents Mentoru Plus, an inclusive digital learning model developed through practical work with children in non-formal education settings. The model combines accessible digital activities, adaptive learning pathways, emotional support mechanisms, and AI-enhanced educational tools to create learning experiences that respond to different abilities rather than expecting children to adapt to rigid systems.
Drawing on real-world implementation experiences in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the session will showcase how children with developmental difficulties can actively participate in coding, digital citizenship education, AI literacy, communication, emotional learning, and future skills development when learning environments are intentionally designed for inclusion.
Particular attention will be given to the role of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, not as a replacement for educators but as a tool for personalization, engagement, and accessibility. The session will demonstrate how AI-supported activities can help children recognize emotions, practice communication skills, strengthen confidence, and participate more independently in digital learning experiences.
Participants will explore practical examples of inclusive educational design, including accessible interfaces, adaptive activities, visual supports, gamified learning experiences, and collaborative approaches involving educators, families, psychologists, and support professionals.
The discussion aims to contribute to the WSIS vision of an inclusive information society by highlighting how digital transformation can create opportunities for those who are too often left behind. Rather than asking how children can fit into existing digital systems, the session invites participants to consider how digital systems can be designed around the diverse realities of children themselves.
The session will conclude with recommendations for educators, policymakers, civil society organizations, and technology developers seeking to build more inclusive, equitable, and human-centered digital learning environments.
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C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
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C3. Access to information and knowledge
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C4. Capacity building
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C6. Enabling environment
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-learning
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C10. Ethical dimensions of the Information Society
This session contributes to several WSIS Action Lines by demonstrating how inclusive digital learning environments can increase participation and access to educational opportunities for children with diverse learning needs.
The session supports C3 (Access to Information and Knowledge) by enabling children who often face barriers to access digital learning opportunities and future-oriented digital skills.
It contributes to C4 (Capacity Building) through the development of digital competencies, AI literacy, communication skills, and confidence among children, educators, and families.
The session aligns with C6 (Enabling Environment) by presenting practical approaches for creating accessible and supportive learning environments that allow every child to participate meaningfully in digital education.
Through the Mentoru Plus model, the session also contributes to C7 (E-learning) by demonstrating innovative ICT-enabled educational practices, including adaptive learning pathways and AI-supported learning activities.
The discussion is further linked to C10 (Ethical Dimensions of the Information Society) by promoting inclusion, dignity, equity, and responsible use of technology for children who are often underrepresented in digital learning spaces.
Finally, the session reflects C1 (The Role of Governments and All Stakeholders) by highlighting the importance of collaboration between educators, families, civil society organizations, technology providers, and policymakers in building inclusive digital futures for all children.
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Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all
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Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
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Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
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Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
This session contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals by demonstrating how inclusive digital learning can create meaningful opportunities for children with diverse learning needs and abilities.
The session strongly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting inclusive, equitable, and accessible learning environments that enable every child to participate in digital education and develop future-oriented skills.
It contributes to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by addressing barriers that often prevent children with developmental difficulties and other vulnerable groups from accessing quality digital learning opportunities on an equal basis.
The session also supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through approaches that foster confidence, emotional development, social participation, and a sense of belonging within learning environments.
Furthermore, the session aligns with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by promoting inclusion, participation, dignity, and equal opportunities for children who are frequently underrepresented in educational and digital spaces.
Through practical examples and collaborative approaches involving educators, families, support professionals, and technology providers, the session demonstrates how inclusive digital innovation can contribute to sustainable and equitable development for all children
- Objective 1: Close all digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals
- Objective 3: Foster an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space that respects, protects and promotes human rights
- Objective 5: Enhance international governance of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity
Council of Europe 2nd Digital Citizenship Education Forum 2026: The model was previously presented within the framework of the Council of Europe Digital Citizenship Education Forum 2026. – Official Agenda: https://rm.coe.int/agenda-forum-dce-v7/48802bda52
Presentation and participation in the Council of Europe 2nd Digital Citizenship Education Forum Strasburg 2026: LinkedIn post about presentation
Mentora Plus platform model :https://www.mentoraplus.org/