Technology and Diversity Considerations

What is a typical Americann classroom? There can be a variety of descriptions. However, one characteristic will always be present -- diversity. Children will vary by their ethnicity, gender, family background, cultural values, language, and learning abilities. An effective teacher should be able to consider all these differences, and plan lessons accordingly.

As an aspiring teacher, I hope that technology will be my best friend in diversity considerations. Assistive technology can be irreplaceable when working with special education children. iCommunicator is just one of the very helpful devices available to assist individuals with disabilties.

Relevant or Irrelevant?

Last week we had a class discussion about the importance of IT preparation for educators. It was surprising to find out how many future and current teachers still consider technology literacy not relevant. We aim to perfect our learning environments. We advocate differentiated instruction, mastery learning, stimulation of higher order thinking skills, authenticity, and creativity. All of these goals can be so much easier and more effectively achieved with modern technology. However, many still think that it is "good enough" to be just aware of such technology, and that learning how to use it is insignificant.

It is not only important to be aware of all new technology available for educators, it is simply a must to be able to operate it and integrate it in the classroom. Setting some faintly outlined goal to one day to become digital literate is not enough. We owe it to ourselves and to our students. Because it simply allows to maximize the efficiency of learning.