I think the key to thinking about diverse learners is to make sure that you do a lot of research. As Dr. Thornburg pointed out, we often take our technology for granted and it would be hard to understand a life without technology. The more research that we conduct and read, in order to understand where other people are coming from the better off we will be when we try to approach diversity within technology. There is a great Ted that this reminds me of where a man talks about the effects of having a washing machine, another technology that we take for granted.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/hans_rosling_and_the_magic_washing_machine.html
A lot of times, I think that we are unaware of what we take for granted and it is not be an elitist but there is not a lot of interest in the news or television in talking about what other people don't use on a daily basis. If we educate ourselves and others on the technologies that other cultures live without than I think we can make better decisions that are aimed to meet the needs of all people.
Another Ted that this brought to mind was about how we are failing boys in our schools and how video games could really help mind this gap.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/ali_carr_chellman_gaming_to_re_engage_boys_in_learning.html
I found this Ted very interesting and I think about it a lot when kids ask to write or perform different topics...even if I am not interested in violence, why should I stop them from writing or performing a piece that allows them to be engaged in my class.
Kat,
ReplyDeleteI think we still look at technology as a fad. It is now a platform for communicating, learning, and entertainment.
We need to understand that we are now beyond this and have to learn how to use technology effectively and efficiently, and not just because it is technology.
I think we are at the forefront of this, but we have to get more people on board with not only how to use this technolgoy but use it to the best of its ability