Diversity
One of our country’s most recognized symbols, the Statue of Liberty, is used to represent a concept that is used too often to keep us divided: diversity. It surrounds us every day and can occur in normal to extreme situations. The way we react and embrace our range of differences can influence the connections we make with others. Diversity can be a source for growth, change, transformation, revolution, and so much more. Ben Carson said it perfectly during a reflection on leadership, “If two people think the same thing about everything, one of them isn’t necessary. We need to be able to understand that if we’re going to make real progress.” There are no mistakes about it, we need diversity to learn from one another; however, we need it to bridge gaps and not leave them empty. Making steps to ensure the digital divide is decreasing, while increasing digital equity, is essential in today’s classroom and one of the many ways we can use technology to embrace the best diversity has to offer.
All children, in all schools, deserve the right to receive digital equity. Our world has faced extreme technological advancements throughout the years; however, not everyone has been able to experience those developments due to the digital divide some may face. Building knowledge throughout the community and in schools about ways to empower communities through digital equity is essential in creating a more technologically-sound environment for all of the students in school systems about our country. Possibilities such as creating a community learning center with digital access, opening up access to technologies during non-school hours for digital access, offering after-school technology clubs for both student and parent involvement, and increasing awareness through research and dissemination should be considered.
The digital divide affects students of various backgrounds; however, it also affects teachers. Professional development for using technologies within everyday lessons is essential to help close the gap for those who are more comfortable with traditional teaching approaches. Just as we are expected to do within the walls of our classrooms, differentiated instruction should take place during PD opportunities to help alleviate the stress, confusion, and sometimes embarrassment of teachers not knowing how to use technology in their classrooms. Support from stakeholders and technology coaches is crucial during this process.
Throughout my time in pursuit of earning my Specialist in Instructional Technology at KSU, I have learned the importance of embracing diversity through the global connections and cultural understandings we gain through technological connections; I have also learned the importance of decreasing the digital divide that keeps some separated from the possibilities technology has to offer. I have completed several artifacts that demonstrate my abilities to understand diversity on different levels.
During my time as a KSU student in the Instructional Technology Specialist Program, I have:
All children, in all schools, deserve the right to receive digital equity. Our world has faced extreme technological advancements throughout the years; however, not everyone has been able to experience those developments due to the digital divide some may face. Building knowledge throughout the community and in schools about ways to empower communities through digital equity is essential in creating a more technologically-sound environment for all of the students in school systems about our country. Possibilities such as creating a community learning center with digital access, opening up access to technologies during non-school hours for digital access, offering after-school technology clubs for both student and parent involvement, and increasing awareness through research and dissemination should be considered.
The digital divide affects students of various backgrounds; however, it also affects teachers. Professional development for using technologies within everyday lessons is essential to help close the gap for those who are more comfortable with traditional teaching approaches. Just as we are expected to do within the walls of our classrooms, differentiated instruction should take place during PD opportunities to help alleviate the stress, confusion, and sometimes embarrassment of teachers not knowing how to use technology in their classrooms. Support from stakeholders and technology coaches is crucial during this process.
Throughout my time in pursuit of earning my Specialist in Instructional Technology at KSU, I have learned the importance of embracing diversity through the global connections and cultural understandings we gain through technological connections; I have also learned the importance of decreasing the digital divide that keeps some separated from the possibilities technology has to offer. I have completed several artifacts that demonstrate my abilities to understand diversity on different levels.
During my time as a KSU student in the Instructional Technology Specialist Program, I have:
- Implemented technology fairs and a technology camp during my Capstone project to reach a variety of learners and expose multiple technologies to those who may have not been previously exposed.
- Created a lesson plan to demonstrate my abilities to include assistive technologies for students with diverse learning needs.
- Worked with English Language Learners during a field experience and used technology to increase their vocabulary retention and reading comprehension skills.
- Collected data and performed a data analysis and overview to localize strengths, weaknesses, and trends among grade levels and subgroups.
- Led professional development opportunities to train teachers on how to include different ways to use technology to differentiate for the students in their classrooms.
- Collaborated with teachers in other schools and districts to teach and learn ways to integrate technology innovation in diverse classrooms.