Diversity
Throughout the Instructional Technology program at Kennesaw State University, I have learned about and demonstrated many traits that relate to the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that technology facilitators use to address the diverse needs of all students in the classroom. Each ITEC course has focused on varying aspects of diversity and its place in education, and I have developed a thorough understanding of these necessary components.
As society becomes more diverse, being able to understand and meet the needs of all learners, regardless of ethnicity, special needs or programs, gender, socio-economic status, and ability, becomes mandatory. In the classroom, I want to foster enhanced learning experiences that provide opportunities for success for every student. Using a variety of instructional strategies, learning activities, varied assessments, and technologies is imperative to develop opportunities that embrace diversity, both similarities and differences, and foster understanding. Integrating technology provides students with opportunities to think creatively, communicate and collaborate with peers, both locally and globally. I believe that technology is “the way of the present,” providing opportunities for addressing diverse needs and increasing student engagement in learning and assessment.
To successfully reach students, teachers must be able to quickly adapt instructional strategies based on learning modalities, trends, and desires. Student-centered strategies, including differentiated, personalized, and individualized learning, become powerful, effective learning opportunities, especially when coupled with the integration of technology for engagement, effectiveness, and formative feedback. Technology facilitators must also ensure that practices are based on best strategies for academic and social development for students. Inclusive education for all students relies on integrating a variety of ideologies and programs, such as Universal Design for Learning, Response to Intervention, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and appropriate counseling and outreach supports for social and emotional aspects for students. Lastly, appropriate use of data is beneficial to understanding student backgrounds, needs, and progress, as well as assessing and adjusting learning strategies.
The following activities demonstrate my ability to address diversity in my school:
As society becomes more diverse, being able to understand and meet the needs of all learners, regardless of ethnicity, special needs or programs, gender, socio-economic status, and ability, becomes mandatory. In the classroom, I want to foster enhanced learning experiences that provide opportunities for success for every student. Using a variety of instructional strategies, learning activities, varied assessments, and technologies is imperative to develop opportunities that embrace diversity, both similarities and differences, and foster understanding. Integrating technology provides students with opportunities to think creatively, communicate and collaborate with peers, both locally and globally. I believe that technology is “the way of the present,” providing opportunities for addressing diverse needs and increasing student engagement in learning and assessment.
To successfully reach students, teachers must be able to quickly adapt instructional strategies based on learning modalities, trends, and desires. Student-centered strategies, including differentiated, personalized, and individualized learning, become powerful, effective learning opportunities, especially when coupled with the integration of technology for engagement, effectiveness, and formative feedback. Technology facilitators must also ensure that practices are based on best strategies for academic and social development for students. Inclusive education for all students relies on integrating a variety of ideologies and programs, such as Universal Design for Learning, Response to Intervention, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and appropriate counseling and outreach supports for social and emotional aspects for students. Lastly, appropriate use of data is beneficial to understanding student backgrounds, needs, and progress, as well as assessing and adjusting learning strategies.
The following activities demonstrate my ability to address diversity in my school:
- Attending various technology workshops (GaETC, Math, etc) for continuing personal professional development and sharing knowledge with school administration and faculty.
- Designed and creating instructional activities (Think-Tac-Toe Choice boards, performance tasks, unit projects) that are meant to engage students while integrating technology and ensuring mastery of content standards.
- Modeled and advocated for the use of technology for challenging tasks and higher-order thinking for all students through the use of digital tools and resources (Webquests, Google Sites, Choice Boards).
- Collaborated with Special Education teachers and parents to identify and work with a student who utilized assistive technology for communication and educational achievement.
- Worked with the ESOL teachers in my school to meet the needs of ELL students in my Math classes. Utilizing data resources (ACCESS, WIDA, etc) to differentiate and personalize learning and assessments for ELL students for maximum growth.
- Conducted a SWOT analysis and identified my school’s current use of technology and recommended an action plan for continued improvement.
- Collected, reviewed, and analyzed demographic and subgroup data to create a Data Overview to share with faculty and staff to target specific areas of improvement within our school.
- Reviewed and evaluated several emerging technologies and digital tools for accuracy, suitability, and compatibility within my school. Also completed several Android and IOS App reviews and created Mobile App Products to demonstrate and guide teacher integration of emerging technologies.