In higher education, accessibility and inclusion are core values that ensure that all students, regardless of their individual needs and circumstances, have equal opportunities to participate and progress. In the context of teamwork, this means creating an environment in which every perspective is valued and all team members can actively contribute to a common goal.
Accessibility involves removing physical, technical, and communication barriers. In an online environment, this includes using tools that support captions and transcripts (e.g., Zoom, BigBlueButton, or Microsoft Teams), ensuring that materials are shared in formats that are accessible to screen readers, and providing flexible ways to participate, such as through written contributions or recorded audio messages. This makes it easier for students with various disabilities to participate, as well as those who face temporary barriers, such as poor internet connections.
Inclusion goes a step further because it involves not only access to resources, but also the active involvement of all team members in the collaboration process. This means ensuring a balance in the distribution of tasks, encouraging less vocal members to express their opinions, and developing a culture of mutual respect. In this sense, digital collaboration tools such as Padlet, Miro board, or forums in Moodle LMS also play an important role, as they allow for different ways of expression – visual, written, or oral.
Accessibility and inclusion in group work are not just a technical or formal requirement, but a way to make all students feel part of a community. This increases their motivation, develops a sense of belonging, and creates a space in which collaboration becomes a truly shared experience.