Sunday, December 7, 2008
Media, Technology & Diversity
The school I currently work at is a very diverse school. Many races and ethnic groups are represented in a single classroom. Based on the backgrounds of their home life or their culture, they sometimes view learning in different ways. A media specialist can be useful to the classroom teacher by introducing a variety of materials available for the visual learner to the kinesthetic learner. A more recent style of learning includes music which can be developed through technology. Ideas from music as a background noise during student learning or allowing the student to create a musical presentation for an assignment are ideas that the media specialist may assist a classroom teacher to help her meet the diverse needs of the students. As always, the media specialist must be open to lifelong learning as technology and the way schools are run are changing every day.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
Using music in the background can be very effective. I've heard soft, gentle music played in the background in a couple of media centers. It helps create a relaxing environment. As a teacher, I used music at various times during the day and was aware when it supported the learning and activities we were doing and when it was distracting. With each kind of technology, we can evaluate how best to use it, determine when it can be most effective, and know when it's time to stop using it!
I agree with your statement that background and culture can affect a person's learning style. Having taught for many years, I could see evidence of that fact in the classroom. I also agree that technology is an excellent way to be able to teach all students regardless of learning style because technology offers so many alternatives. Great post.
How right you are about technology reaching all learners despite their learning style. I know that I am visual learner and technology allows me to insure that I am reaching everyone's needs whether it's using PowerPoint, Inspiration, or Discovery Unitedstreaming.
I agree with your statement about technology being opened to all races and ethnicity. I once worked at a diverse school and the media specialist had to modify the techology lessons to serve the diverse group that could not speak English clearly. Technology is an assest for all learners. Diverse students must be able to complete in today's society also. No one should be left behind.
Technology is changing continuously and it is a great idea for the media specialist to keep up with it. I like your idea of background music to keep the students interested. You are correct in saying the media specialist can support other teachers in the school, especially in a diverse school like the one where you work. Teachers need all the support they can get with teaching ideas.
Wow Margaret! As I began reading your post, I was immediately struck by something I hadn't previously considered relative to diversity and that is socioeconomic backgrounds. While it is imperative for media specialists to consider varied learning modalities, unique languages,technological advancements or handicaps,and financial guidelines.
Additionally, I love the idea of leveraging music in library media programs to promote teaching, learning, and most importantly, reading.
I agree with you that the use of technology is a wonderful way to meet the needs of all students. It's a wonderful way to address the different modalities, and it also a great way to address the needs of students with learning disabilities. Let us not forget that we can address the needs of advanced learners and high achievers through the use of technology in the classroom
Post a Comment