Diversity
We live in a diverse world. Many of today’s classrooms contain evidence of this diversity through differences among students’ culture, gender, socio-economic status and their varied learning styles and abilities. As educators, we must embrace each student’s differences and value what they bring to the classroom as unique individuals. In doing so, we model respect and appreciation for diversity and create an environment that is accepting of individual differences. We also must identify students’ individual learning needs in order to enable all students to have the same access to learning.
Technology can be utilized in the classroom to support diversity. Students within the same classroom may possess differences in how they perform. Digital tools can be used to assist students in completing tasks that are difficult due to physical or cognitive impairments. Technology tools can be used to expand learning beyond the classroom walls. Through digital tools and resources, students can learn about different cultures, increasing their understanding of the world. Technology can also be used to personalize learning. By giving students choice in their learning, they can use digital tools and resources to follow their individual passions and create unique personal expressions.
Through the Ed. S. program in Instructional Technology at Kennesaw State University, I have developed the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that enable me to use technology to promote the diverse needs of all students. These include knowledge of tools available to help meet different learning needs in varied context, such as second language acquisition or students with learning disabilities, the skills to teach students and other teachers how to use technology in ways that are innovative and capitalize on meeting the diverse needs of the learners, and an understanding and appreciation of the differences each learner possesses. The coursework and field experiences I have completed during this program afforded me opportunities to model and promote the use of digital tools to support diverse student needs, enhance cultural understanding, and increase global awareness. The following list highlights some experiences that demonstrate my ability to support the diverse needs of learners with instructional technology:
Technology can be utilized in the classroom to support diversity. Students within the same classroom may possess differences in how they perform. Digital tools can be used to assist students in completing tasks that are difficult due to physical or cognitive impairments. Technology tools can be used to expand learning beyond the classroom walls. Through digital tools and resources, students can learn about different cultures, increasing their understanding of the world. Technology can also be used to personalize learning. By giving students choice in their learning, they can use digital tools and resources to follow their individual passions and create unique personal expressions.
Through the Ed. S. program in Instructional Technology at Kennesaw State University, I have developed the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that enable me to use technology to promote the diverse needs of all students. These include knowledge of tools available to help meet different learning needs in varied context, such as second language acquisition or students with learning disabilities, the skills to teach students and other teachers how to use technology in ways that are innovative and capitalize on meeting the diverse needs of the learners, and an understanding and appreciation of the differences each learner possesses. The coursework and field experiences I have completed during this program afforded me opportunities to model and promote the use of digital tools to support diverse student needs, enhance cultural understanding, and increase global awareness. The following list highlights some experiences that demonstrate my ability to support the diverse needs of learners with instructional technology:
- Participated in a field experience working with an English Language Learner to increase reading comprehension skills and written expression.
- Participated in a field experience working with a student with a disability to identify assistive technology to increase length of writing, writing stamina, and legibility.
- Designed technology-infused learning projects that engage diverse learners and provide student choice.
- Developed a presentation for school leaders and made recommendations for school improvement based on collection and analysis of student data, including demographic data.
- Trained a special education teacher in the use of assistive technology tools for reading.
- Researched and evaluated an emerging technology for use with diverse learners at my school.
- Advocated for fair and equitable distribution of technology resources by working with teachers to manage laptop cart.
- Researched and recommended digital tools and resources that meet the individual needs of students.
- Developed and facilitated professional learning on the use of technology for challenging tasks and higher order thinking for all students.
- Developed and facilitated professional learning on the use of technology to connect and collaborate beyond the classroom.
