Diversity
Diversity exists in all aspects of our life. It occurs within our families, in our communities, in our schools and in our workplaces. Diversity is recognizing the fact that all of us are different, but we can still learn from each other.The unique experiences and traditions that each of us engage in provide new experiences for others to explore and consider.
As educators, we need to provide opportunities for our students to explore diversities within their classroom and outside of their classroom. We need to encourage them to see other's views and learn how to collaborate with others to reach their goals. This will help students build bonds with each other. This will also help prepare them for what will be expected of them when they enter the work force.
As technology facilitators, we can use technology to help bridge those diversities that we find in our schools. Technology can be used to address the needs of all learners in unique ways that will level the many differences that are in our classrooms today including ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, special needs, age, religion, family structure, language and others. Listed below are a few activities I have participated in to increase awareness of diversity in the schools that I support with instructional technology training:
· Reviewed software and web resources for bias or insensitivity.
· Participated in community outreach with parents of ELL students, parents of students with exceptionalities, and parents of students with different ethnic/racial backgrounds to provide information about district technology online subscription resources which are available to all students for use with homework assignments, research, and projects. I also helped them setup accounts to access their student’s grades, attendance and assignment information.
· Provided professional development for teachers of students with exceptionalities, ELL students, and students with different ethnic/racial/cultural backgrounds on how to use technology to differentiate instruction and meet diverse needs of all students. This involved development of blogs, use of Wikis with students, and creation of lessons using the voting devices.
· Identified and addressed the unique needs of teachers of students with exceptionalities who have limited prior computer experience with the interactive whiteboard. The next step was to offer solutions and assistance to help strengthen their knowledge through small group training which included specific activities to use with their students to assist with various modifications the students may have.
As educators, we need to provide opportunities for our students to explore diversities within their classroom and outside of their classroom. We need to encourage them to see other's views and learn how to collaborate with others to reach their goals. This will help students build bonds with each other. This will also help prepare them for what will be expected of them when they enter the work force.
As technology facilitators, we can use technology to help bridge those diversities that we find in our schools. Technology can be used to address the needs of all learners in unique ways that will level the many differences that are in our classrooms today including ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, special needs, age, religion, family structure, language and others. Listed below are a few activities I have participated in to increase awareness of diversity in the schools that I support with instructional technology training:
· Reviewed software and web resources for bias or insensitivity.
· Participated in community outreach with parents of ELL students, parents of students with exceptionalities, and parents of students with different ethnic/racial backgrounds to provide information about district technology online subscription resources which are available to all students for use with homework assignments, research, and projects. I also helped them setup accounts to access their student’s grades, attendance and assignment information.
· Provided professional development for teachers of students with exceptionalities, ELL students, and students with different ethnic/racial/cultural backgrounds on how to use technology to differentiate instruction and meet diverse needs of all students. This involved development of blogs, use of Wikis with students, and creation of lessons using the voting devices.
· Identified and addressed the unique needs of teachers of students with exceptionalities who have limited prior computer experience with the interactive whiteboard. The next step was to offer solutions and assistance to help strengthen their knowledge through small group training which included specific activities to use with their students to assist with various modifications the students may have.