Cultural diversity is an
interesting and very expansive topic and in essence it is the ability to make
the learning environment accessible, inclusive and equitable for all learners.
It is important to consider the diversity of our learners, to respect these
differences and look at ways to how we can connect.
I found the power-point
on Universal Design really interesting and that the core principle of UDL
(Universal Design for learning) is looking at how we can make our learning
environment equitable for all our learners from the very beginning:
-More ways to access
-More ways to
participate
-More ways to
demonstrate learning
Even though this
approach is fantastic I had to ask myself how do we effectively remould our
current materials and resources without having to start again. Or can we look
at the programmes and modify to encompass the UDL design concepts. This would
take some further research and investigation.
The concepts around
Universal Design clearly show how it is linked with considerations around cultural
diversity in the classroom.
Students
in the Vet Nursing programme comprise of a large and varied group of
individuals who have a varying degree of skills, knowledge and ethical beliefs.
Age ranges as discussed in my previous post is from school leavers through to
mature students (18 – 50+ years of age) and predominately are female versus
male. Skill and knowledge extend from those who are already working within a
vet clinic environment to students who are just passionate about animals.
An
online study environment can be a new and challenging experience for a number
of students. Some like the autonomy of working through this medium and working
around their own jobs without the need to disengage from their lives. Other
students struggle with the technology, lack of peer support and the feeling of
potential isolation from lecturers. One of the biggest barriers I have seen is
from students that are not very tech savvy who struggle with this mode of
learning, which can lead to frustration and becoming disillusioned. This has
been seen more with some of our older students who have only experienced face
to face classroom learning.
Perhaps
there is potential and a need to offer a bridging computer course that covers
all the possible computer programmes that they will encounter in their study.
This could make them more familiar with the mode of learning and help overcome challenges
prior to the commencement of the programme therefore starting them on a
successful road to achievement.
References:
Universal Design for Learning:
A framework for access and equity (2010) http://www.slideshare.net/NCUDL/udl-a-framework-for-access-and-equity
Wikieducator (2013) Cultural Diversity Resources. (2013,
September 5). Retrieved from http://wikieducator.org/Cultural_Diversity_Resources
Great idea Aimee to support students with developing computing skills. There are a multitude of these online which doesn't really help people who don't even know where to start. That is why the Community Learning Centres used to be so good since people could get individual assistance and work from a book until they developed confidence.
ReplyDeleteThis video is quite helpful and encouraging: 7 Tips for Successful Online Learners.
From my perspective - most of the tips would apply to any student. See what you think.
This Educause article is also good. How Students Develop Online Learning Skills
As you can see for your learners it will be more than just learning to use computers, it is also about engaging with the online environment. How do your courses support and enable this?