Diversity Statement
The Internet is a useful tool that can truly help to develop a student’s understanding and respect for diversity. Because the Internet is a tool that is expanded in a worldwide platform students are exposed to a variety of people and opinions on a daily basis. According to Lyn Hilt, the author of “The Case for Cultivating Cultural Awareness”, the biggest mistake that we can make is to foster a classroom environment that allow students to only associate with others who are similar to themselves and therefore allow students to not be challenged. In order for students to thrive in the world outside of home and school students need to be exposed to differing viewpoints and beliefs and be allowed the opportunity to understand how to react in these situations.
It is critical for educators to embrace and cultivate diversity in their classrooms and learn how to enhance learning experiences with the integration of technology. Although the Internet is a tool that is accessible to students of all diversities it is up to the teacher to differentiate which platforms to use for each student. Having access to differing levels of learning can allow the teacher to appropriately mandate material to each students learning style and level or learning.
Throughout my experience in the Instructional Technology Program I have had many different learning experiences that have prepared me to meet the needs of diverse learners through the integration of technology. The list below highlights several of these learning experiences.
It is critical for educators to embrace and cultivate diversity in their classrooms and learn how to enhance learning experiences with the integration of technology. Although the Internet is a tool that is accessible to students of all diversities it is up to the teacher to differentiate which platforms to use for each student. Having access to differing levels of learning can allow the teacher to appropriately mandate material to each students learning style and level or learning.
Throughout my experience in the Instructional Technology Program I have had many different learning experiences that have prepared me to meet the needs of diverse learners through the integration of technology. The list below highlights several of these learning experiences.
- Developing and facilitating learning experiences for students with limited computer/technology related experiences
- Facilitating professional developers for teachers on varying technological resources to support English Language Learners
- Collecting/utilizing demographic and subgroup data for targeted school improvement.
- Identifying, researching, and sharing assistive and adaptive technology resources to support the learning of students with disabilities.
- Identifying and sharing how technology can be utilized to expand students’ cultural and global awareness.