Diversity
If America is considered the melting pot, then America’s schools are the salad bowls. Within our schools, we have almost as many diverse needs as we have students. As teachers, it is our responsibility to recognize those needs, celebrate our diversity, and make every effort to see that all of their needs are met. We deal with cultural diversity, diversity in socioeconomic status, gender diversity, diversity among learning styles and special needs.
How do we make certain that all of our students are having their needs met? How do we make sure that they have equitable access to technology? Technology is a wonderful tool to bridge the gap among the diverse needs of students. It’s just critical that we use technology for critical thinking and to encourage higher learning than simply to use it as a “drill and kill” or babysitter for disruptive students. There are many programs that can be used that will help with differentiating learning. Encouraging collaboration among students is an excellent way to bring children with diverse backgrounds and needs together.
Some ways that I’ve addressed diversity in my classroom are as follows:
How do we make certain that all of our students are having their needs met? How do we make sure that they have equitable access to technology? Technology is a wonderful tool to bridge the gap among the diverse needs of students. It’s just critical that we use technology for critical thinking and to encourage higher learning than simply to use it as a “drill and kill” or babysitter for disruptive students. There are many programs that can be used that will help with differentiating learning. Encouraging collaboration among students is an excellent way to bring children with diverse backgrounds and needs together.
Some ways that I’ve addressed diversity in my classroom are as follows:
- Google Classroom – students collaborate on projects, and they can access it wherever they are. There is even a translator that is helpful when language could be a barrier
- Computer availability before and after school – for students who may not have access to technology, we’ve opened the computer lab before school, and I allow students to stay after and use computers in my classroom. In cases where transportation can’t be arranged, we have allowed them to work on the computers during specials or during part of their lunch time.
- KidBlog – this is an excellent tool that allows kids to begin to become socially aware digital citizens while still being under my watchful eye.