Diversity
Diversity is something that most people tend to associate with race or ethnicity. While this word can be defined as such it also goes to describe people who have special needs, are gifted, and who are creative. With this ever changing society we as teachers have to be able to assist every learner who comes through the schoolhouse doors. Teaching diverse populations takes new methods, strategies, and digital tools to create an atmosphere for students to exceed the traditional limits of education. As a teacher who teaches a diverse population I want to effectively use technology and other digital tools to engage my diverse student population.
The Instructional Technology program at Kennesaw State University has given me the skills and knowledge to create this diverse atmosphere in my classroom. Some of the skills that I gained from the instructional technology department dealt with English Language Learners, as well as digital tools to create an atmosphere for learning. In the Instructional Technology department at KSU I was able to take courses such as Internet Tools for the classroom and learn strategies to help teach English language learners in my classes. Learning these strategies and completing a field experience working with an ELL student gives me confidence to continue working with diverse populations. Also in Internet Tools I was able to learn about blogging to help differentiate instruction for my students. Learning to use these types of tools to serve my students has opened up a new world to effectively teach such diverse populations.
Included in diverse populations are students with special needs. In the Instructional Technology program our cohort was able to take a course called Multimedia and Web Design. Here I was able to learn how to assist students with assistive technology tools in my classes. There are multiple tools available for students with special needs and I was able to research and use one of these tools in a field experience with a special needs student.
The following list is a list of activities that I have completed and feel demonstrates my ability to successfully address a diverse learning environment:
· Acquired assistive technology for a student with disabilities and monitored his progress with a team of teachers.
· Developed technology action plans
· Created a data analysis presentation to examine my school’s current data usage
· Implemented Web 2.0 technology tools in my classroom to differentiate instruction for all students.
· Engaged in one on one sessions, using Web 2.0 tools, with an English language learner to help the student gain a better understanding of content.
· Created a blended online learning unit plan with differentiated instruction.