Diversity

Diversity ​​ Every learning environment comes with learners with different experiences. These experiences could include language, cultural backgrounds, disabilities and varying levels of technology proficiencies. While federal law guides some of these needs, other relate to respect for individuals and their backgrounds (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2010). Addressing the needs students in grades K-12 is important so are the need of adult learners. Based on the needs of the learners for my Problem Based Lesson, I would need to consider the technology skill level, learning styles and different intelligences.

Lesson A: The use of the highlighting function will be used to meet the needs of visual learners when using the Smartboard. Teachers who are tactile learners will be given a “hard copy” of the data chart to highlight and take notes as needed. The software “Jing” or “Camtasia” could be use capture a copy of the highlighted chart as well as any notes taken during the data analysis session. Lesson B: Teachers with limited internet research skills are provided websites to search for technology integrated lessons. Websites are provided as a starting point. Teachers comfortable with technology and finding resources online will bookmark/ hyperlink websites to the wiki to create a resource page for others to use in the future. Headphones will also be provided for those teachers who choose to identify integrated lessons in audio or video format such as YouTube, etc.

Lesson C: Teachers will be given the choice to use Word or Excel to develop a technology plan and create a schedule. The software chosen will depend on their comfort level. Teacher will limited technology skills will assist the presenter of the their group when using the Smartboard. Teachers with middle to high levels of technology comfort will enhance their final product with color, graphics, etc. All teachers are welcomed to use Microsoft Office online for technology support []

Resources: Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2010). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Microsoft Office online Help and How-to []  Website provides information for teaching students with ADHD, Autism, Asperger's, Giftedness, and Handicaps, etc. [] 