Module 6 EDUC 7108: Globalism and Diversity

Dr. Thornburg (Laureate 2009), notes that “Valuable means understanding a culture well enough to help people incorporate new ideas into that culture.” As a leader in educational technology, I could take several steps in making sure that emerging technologies is seen as a valuable tool for others regardless of race, gender, cultural or socioeconomic status. As an employee of a K12 public school system, and a technology facilitator, I often find myself talking with colleagues about ways in which learning and the use of technology will be beneficial to a diverse group of students. In many of my lessons and activities I make a conscious effort to incorporate some type of cultural aspect and socioeconomic situations to make my students aware of other worlds and or communities outside of what they know.

Through this experience I’ve found that many of my students show a greater since of compassion and concern for their peers who may not be as fortunate as they are and do not have access to the technology tools and equipment in which they are exposed to everyday. Not only do I try to practice this sensitivity with my students but with my peers as well, during staff development training sessions. I often introduce teachers to new technology which is “emerging” to them and allow them to use those technologies coupled with their personal life experiences as a way to introduce themselves to one another. For exam “Wordle” (www.wordle.net) which is an emerging technology for most teachers in my school district is often used in my workshops to allow participants the opportunity to express themselves in a creative way while at the same time sharing personal information that allows their peers to have a better understanding of who they are.

Laureate, Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Diversity and globalism. [Web]. Retrieved from
http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4199715&Survey=1&47=3951732&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

EDUC 7108 - Module 1 - Emerged Technology

“Emerged Technology”

A current technology that has emerged in the K12 community is the use Skype. More and more educators are learning ways in which Skype can be used and integrated into their curriculum. I’ve gone to several workshops and conferences this year in my state (NC). Many of them have hosted sessions on Skype and its use. One popular use for Skype now among K12 teachers is “Skype with an Author”. At little to no cost teachers and their students can plan a Skype session with an author in which they happen to be reading their work. Challenges that have been associated with the use of this new technology has been equipment. Because Skype is most effective when one can actually see and hear who they’re talking to via web-cam and microphone, many teachers ran into the issue of this equipment not being made available at their school. The other issue some school districts faced is that this particular website was not “approved” or was blocked and did not allow teachers the access they needed in the classroom.

Skype meets societal needs in that allows the users to build a network of knowledge and a collaborative community. This technology would be even better if more schools had a greater understanding of its uses and the positive effects it has on the learning environment. Perhaps Skype should even consider an K12 Educational version of its application. Maybe this would keep the skeptics at bay!

Sources:
http://www.skype.com

Skype an Author Websites:
http://www.skypeanauthor.com/
http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/page/Patricia+Newman