Learning Resources - Diversity 5.02

5.02 Cultural Differences. Describe cultural differences important to a Technology Specialist.

Introduction

Cultural differences influence many aspects of a student's education. A Muslim girl may have to exercise in her religious clothing. Some Asian parents may expect only the teacher to discipline their child's inappropriate classroom behavior, while American teachers will expect the parents to help with the discipline problem. Educational technology will not escape the effects of cultural differences. What cultural differences are important to a technology specialist?

Your Job:

  1. Use the details provided below to create a product that addresses and demonstrates mastery of this competency.
  2. Use the stepwise process listed under Your Portfolio to display the completed product in your ITSC portfolio.

    Product Details:

    • Describe cultural differences important to a Technology Specialist.
    • Within your discussion cite research as a foundation for the points that you make.
    • Identify specific computer-based technologies and the relationship to cultural differences that are supported by research.

Your Portfolio:

  1. FTP your completed product for this competency to the "5divers" folder within the web-based portfolio template provided.
  2. Click here to view the "Design" page in the portfolio template.
  3. Download the "Design" page from your ftp folder.
  4. Locate 5.02 Cultural Differences on the "Design" page.
  5. Under "5.02 Cultural Differences" locate this sentence..."To view the evidence that I offer for this competency, please click here."
  6. Link the word "here" to your product.
  7. Delete the old "Design" page in your ftp folder.
  8. Upload your revised "Design" page.
  9. Submit the URL for your completed product in the student database.

Related Resources:

  • Topics on Diversity in Schools
    • Type of Resource: Web Site
    • Source: http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/education/edpsych/edpsytop.html
    • Description: Web site with links to articles and examples of diversity in the school setting.
  • Diversity Web
    • Type of Resource: Web Site
    • Source: http://www.diversityweb.org/
    • Description: An interactive resource hub for higher education
  • Ed Reform.net
    • Type of Resource: Web Site
    • Source: http://www.nsf.gov/od/cawmset/report/cawmset_brochure.pdf
    • Description: "To better meet the needs of the U.S. economy, the Commission makes recommendations for removing barriers that impede many Americans from filling science, engineering and technology jobs."
  • Ways I Can Change My Classroom
    • Type of Resource: Web Site
    • Source: http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/resources/teachwithtech.html
    • Description: A site with suggestions on changing a classroom to deal with diversity, one being cultural.
  • Online Diversity
    • Type of Resource: Web Site
    • Source: http://www.techlearning.com/db_area/archives/WCE/archives/hupert1.htm
    • Description: A web article on Online Diversity
  • Leadership in instructional technology. Mathew M. Mauer & George S. Davidson.
    • Type of resource: Book (hard copy)
    • Source: Upper Saddle River, N.J. Merrill, c1998.
    • Description: Constructivist and developmentally appropriate learning theories are the underpinnings of this engaging book. After reading this book, principals, teachers, and technology specialists can not help to "step out of the box" and view teaching and technology in a new light. Issues covered: planning, funding, leadership, staff development, shared goals, censorship, and software evaluation.
  • Diversity and Educational Technology: Special Issue.
    • Type of resource: Periodical (hard copy)
    • Source: Educational Technology. V37. n2. March-April 1997.
    • Description: Eight articles on diversity make this special issue of Educational Technology a must read!
  • Inequities in Access to Technology Documented
    • Type of resource: Web site
    • Source: http://www.edweek.org/ew/vol-16/34tech.h16
    • Description: According to a report by the Educational Testing Service, students at schools with high proportions of poor and minority students have less access to technology than other students do.
  • Teaching and Learning in Multi-Cultural Settings. LaVerne H. Young and Daniel Householder
    • Type of resource: Article (hard copy)
    • Source: The Technology Teacher. Feb. 1992.
    • Description: Offers multi-cultural strategies that the authors feel will make a difference in the educational system.
  • Educational leadership and planning for technology. Anthony G. Picciano. 2nd. ed.
    • Type of resource: Book (hard copy)
    • Source: Merrill/Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ. 1994
    • Description: Chapter 3 discusses equity (gender/cultural diversity) issues related to technology. Chapter 10 discusses the issues involved with educational technology staff development. Chapter 8 and 9 discuss hardware and software planning, selection, and evaluation respectively.
  • The New Information Technology and the Education of Hispanics. The Promise and the Dilemma. Loop, Liza.
    • Type of resource: Article (hard copy)
    • Source: Policy Pamphlet Series No. 1
    • Description: Intended as a tool to help bring the issue of technology and the education of Hispanic Americans to a practical and positive resolution. This tool focuses on the following areas: (1) language and culture; (2) the community-classroom connection; (3) training of educators; (4) fiscal responsibility; (5) attitudes toward technology; and (6) access to computing. A complete synopsis can be found at this ERIC document Number: ED319399.

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