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Online Synchronous Professional Development Session Transcript of a Virtual Chat Session TriciaR What does culturally sensitive teaching mean to you? When you reply, please offer some kind of rationale for your response. JennaS To me, “culturally sensitive” means taking into account each students ethnic and religious background. It means understanding that each student brings into the classroom their culture that may be very different from the next student and it is important to learn about, understand and respect everyone’s culture. Doing this is significant because it transforms your classroom into a place where each student feels welcomed and respected. TriciaR Identify specific examples of when it might be important to be sensitive to cultural differences in the classroom? JennaS It might be important to be sensitive to cultural differences in the classroom when various religious holidays occur and some students are absent from school. Understanding and assisting the student(s) in completing the work they missed while they were observing their religious holiday is important so that the student(s) does not feel “singled out” from the rest of the class. TriciaR Why is it important for teachers to step back to look at themselves from multiple perspectives in an attempt to evaluate one's teaching practices and adjust pedagogy based on that critical reflection? TriciaR Have you ever had an opportunity to reflect on an activity, and then make changes based on that reflection? Explain. JennaS Yes, I have definitely had an opportunity to reflect on an activity and then make changes based on that reflection. I am on the Homecoming Committee and before, during and after Homecoming we were (and have) been making notes of things we wanted to add and change for the 2008 Homecoming. TriciaR How can technology foster learning experiences that help students to be more aware and accepting of individual differences? JennaS When I was in elementary school, I remember that some students had the opportunity to use the computer to type their spelling tests for various reasons. I remember our teacher explaining to us that some students need special help with activities just like someone needs “help” seeing so they wear glasses. TriciaR What are some positive aspects to this type of online professional development (TappedIn)? JennaS TappedIn has opened another way for students, parents and teachers to communicate. When it comes to an education, I think the most important thing is communication between all parties involved. In today’s high tech and fast-paced world, I think the easier it is for people to communicate, the better it will be in the long run. TriciaR What are some of the drawbacks? JennaS I think it becomes easier to say things we wouldn’t say to a person’s face because we’re putting our words into a computer screen. It’s almost like we’re allowing technology to do our “dirty work” by not having to face someone to deliver negative news. I think we also loose a sense of respect for others. It is easier to just ask a question in an e-mail than beginning an e-mail with “Dear Mr. Smith”. TriciaR How could you or other teacher education students/ teachers/faculty members/trainers benefit from using Tappedin.org or a similar web-based interface? JennaS I think Tappedin.org or a similar web-based interface is a great way to network with other teachers/educators and schools. Additionally, if you get in contact with someone via Tappedin, you can quickly send them a link to your webpage and they are able to view a snapshot of your work as an educator. Tappedin.org helps to “get the ball rolling” especially when it comes to applying for a job. TriciaR As a member of “A Learning Space” will you visit again? As an educator, what would draw you back into TappedIn? JennaS I think that I would visit “A Learning Space” again; especially as I become more familiar with it. As an educator hopefully teaching high school history, I would use TappedIn to communicate with my students and provide them with more resources for class, homework and projects. TriciaR Would you recommend this site to other educators? JennaS Yes, I think I would recommend this site to other educators. I think that it is a great networking tool for educators. TriciaR Would you consider leading a discussion? JennaS Possibly. I think it is something that I would enjoy doing but I would want to be much more comfortable with the site before leading the discussion. TriciaR Would you like to engage in more virtual sessions for classes at Towson? JennaS YES! I am a HUGE fan of distance-learning classes and/or classes (such as this one) that give you the opportunity to work outside of class using class time. I think it helps me a lot with time management but it helps me realize, “hey! I really can do this!” For example, I don’t think that I would have done as well or enjoyed the M&M Analysis as much if I had done it in class. I would have been too tempted to ask a classmate or Tricia for help or guidance. Doing the assignment at home reaffirmed that I really “did know what I was doing” and I have since used adding and subtracting spreadsheet cells. I don’t think I would have been as confident if I had completed the assignment in class. TriciaR Describe a type of online instructional activity that can be facilitated using TappedIn? JennaS I think that the graphic organizer we made in the beginning of the semester could have been created using TappedIn We could have discussed the different topics in TappedIn and then created the graphic organizer using FrontPage in the next class. |
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Updated by Jenna Sieverts on Monday, December 10, 2007. |
