Decolonization and Indigenous Perspectives in Educational Technology

Abstract

The rise of online learning has transformed higher education, offering new opportunities for accessibility and diversity. However, the virtual classroom must evolve to integrate Indigenous ways of knowing and being, often overlooked in Western-centered pedagogies. Land-based learning, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of people and the land, offers a pathway to honour Indigenous perspectives even in digital spaces. While online platforms may seem disconnected from the land, they can facilitate Indigenous voices and knowledge sharing through multimedia tools, social media, and virtual communities. Challenges persist, including misconceptions about cultural neutrality and discomfort among educators unfamiliar with Indigenous pedagogies. By fostering collaboration with Indigenous knowledge holders and centring on land-based approaches, online learning can become a tool for equity, diversity, and digital inclusion, ensuring Indigenous worldviews are respected alongside Western paradigms.