Digitale Medien und Inklusion zusammendenken – eine Forschungswerkstatt „Diklusion“ im Fach Religion
Thinking About Digital Media and Inclusion Together – A “Diklusion” Research Workshop in the Subject of Religion
Dear Students, Dear Colleagues,
Digital media and inclusion—two key topics that are increasingly shaping our everyday school life. But how can we combine these two aspects in a meaningful, practical, efficient, and pragmatic way? And what does this mean, specifically, for our own teaching?
DIKLUSION is an innovative concept that combines “inclusion” and “digital media.” The neologism was coined in 2018 by special education teacher Dr. Lea Schulz. The concept (Schulz 2022) is based on a broad understanding of inclusion: Every learner brings individual strengths, backgrounds, and needs to the classroom, which we as teachers aim to address. Digital media open up new possibilities—for example, for individualized learning, differentiation of language levels (without sacrificing religious language), creative teaching methods (e-books), or even dialogues with biblical figures via chat, as well as creating and reflecting on prayers for young people using AI.
The professional development session, which takes the form of a research workshop (experimental, exploratory learning), introduces practical methods and digital tools that help think about teaching in a digital and inclusive way, in line with your students’ learning needs—while adhering to the curricular requirements of the religion course.
Specifically, the following question will guide us as we design a digitally inclusive lesson plan: “Where in the lesson design can we maximize opportunities for inclusion, and where can we minimize risks of exclusion?”
Key points at a glance:
Target audience: Teachers and students majoring in (Protestant, Catholic, Islamic, Alevi, Orthodox) religion at elementary schools, special education schools, and lower secondary schools (grades 3–6)
Format: Online professional development (hybrid or in-person options also available upon request)
Dates: Three sessions to be scheduled by mutual agreement (+ one trial session in the classroom)
Number of participants: max. 5 people (intensive discussion & personalized support)
Professional Development: Accredited by the Hessian Teachers’ Academy
What to Expect—and What You’ll Take Away:
In-depth background knowledge on digital media and inclusion in the school setting
Specific digital materials and tools that you can use directly in the classroom
Your own digitally inclusive lesson idea
In conversations, teachers told me that they still feel unsure about using digital media or working in inclusive settings:
“So far, I’ve only been using the Smartboard. Is that enough?” “I’m not very tech-savvy—do I really need to know how to do all of this?” “We don’t have tablets at our school or any other digital media—does it still make sense to participate?”
The answer is: No, you don’t need any prior knowledge. And yes: Even without digital media at your school, it can still be worthwhile to participate. We’d take a look at your specific situation on-site and work with you to find solutions.
This means: The training is explicitly designed for colleagues without prior knowledge or digital equipment.
In a relaxed setting with plenty of room for questions and discussion, we’ll work together to examine your specific situations and provide structure and helpful ideas.
Do you have any questions or comments, or would you like to register?
Perhaps you’d also like to sign up right away with a colleague? Working in pairs is strongly encouraged!
Feel free to email me at: katharina.gaida[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
The poster is available for your use—feel free to share it with your colleagues or post it in the teachers' lounge. Click here.
Would you like to learn more about Dr. Katharina Gaida's research projects and teaching activities? Click here.