Diversity
The concept of diversity is broad and far reaching. When technology is thrown into the mix, its reach seems endless. Certainly all students are diverse and represent a unique perspective, background, and individuality that must be met by teachers. This would normally seem quite impossible with the size of classrooms, the ever-growing pressure to meet ALL THE STANDARDS, and the pressure placed on teachers to maintain a “healthy” distance from our students. But, technology changes the game quite a bit. Technology allows for differentiation, and thus a “different” way for students to learn depending on their individual preference or need. As Richardson (2012) mentions in his article, Preparing Students to Learn Without Us, “The ability to learn what we want, when we want, with whomever we want as long as we have access creates a huge push against a system of education steeped in time-and-place learning” (p. 23). Essentially, education is changing to better meet the diverse needs of our students. Technology is the vehicle by which that change is being delivered… and just in time, really. It is no longer best practice to simply teach to one type of stock-standard student. As the Edyburn (2006) article, Failure is Not an Option states, “Recognizing the need for both physical and cognitive access to learning provides a rationale for far-ranging searches of existing technologies that fundamentally alter the way specific tasks can be completed” (p. 21). Continuing, we must accept that our classrooms and instruction cannot be one size fit all solutions to a diverse group of learners. We must engage, connect, and bring to life content that matters. In their 2009 article, Differentiated Instruction and Middle School Learners, Smith and Throne note that, “…learning is most meaningful when topics are connected to students’ needs and interests, and when the students themselves are actively engaged in creating, understanding, and connecting with knowledge” (p. 31).
With the Kennesaw ITEC MED program, I have been provided with the opportunity to study successful facilitation and application of educational technology. Most definitely I have and will continue to apply my learning in many distinct situations. Each semester has provided me with lessons, projects, readings, and lectures that have opened my eyes to the depth of complexity of diversity of learners, and this has ultimately led me to develop a solid foundation for being a culturally proficient and sensitive educator. Among the myriad of lessons and studies I have been exposed to regarding diversity are some of the projects I have undertaken myself; for example, I have had the opportunity to analyze my school’s current reality and make suggestions for better meeting the needs of all learners through a SWOT Analysis and Action Plan. I have read and deeply reflected on the impact of the Digital Divide and its implications for schools. I have worked with a diverse population of students to meet their individual learning needs and engage them in the classroom with the creation of an Engaged Learner Unit Design. With each of these unique experiences I have developed a skill set for addressing diversity in my school and classroom:
With the Kennesaw ITEC MED program, I have been provided with the opportunity to study successful facilitation and application of educational technology. Most definitely I have and will continue to apply my learning in many distinct situations. Each semester has provided me with lessons, projects, readings, and lectures that have opened my eyes to the depth of complexity of diversity of learners, and this has ultimately led me to develop a solid foundation for being a culturally proficient and sensitive educator. Among the myriad of lessons and studies I have been exposed to regarding diversity are some of the projects I have undertaken myself; for example, I have had the opportunity to analyze my school’s current reality and make suggestions for better meeting the needs of all learners through a SWOT Analysis and Action Plan. I have read and deeply reflected on the impact of the Digital Divide and its implications for schools. I have worked with a diverse population of students to meet their individual learning needs and engage them in the classroom with the creation of an Engaged Learner Unit Design. With each of these unique experiences I have developed a skill set for addressing diversity in my school and classroom:
- Developing and facilitating professional development for teachers on using web tools to differentiate for learning different and gifted students
- Collecting and reviewing data for students with learning needs and making recommendations for change based on the school improvement plan.
- Modeling and advocating the use of technology to improve the authenticity of learning and higher order thinking for diverse learner groups.
- Implementing project based learning with technology tools in the classroom to ensure diverse learners have equitable access and leadership opportunities.
- Working with school leaders and teachers to build awareness about how technology can help diverse learners by addressing their individual needs.