Diversity, Cultural Understanding, and Global Awareness

The technology that is available to us in the twenty-first century makes it easier than ever to promote diversity, cultural understanding, and global awareness using digital tools. The key is to use the technology in a way that allows students to explore and connect with others around the world. This can be done in a multitude of ways so it just takes some creativity to get started. In the elementary school library, I am constantly teaching these three strands through research projects. We use technology daily as a portal to understanding new worlds.

I promote diversity in the school library by asking students to research famous people who have made an impact on history. These individuals typically lived very different lives and are from very diverse places. Students complete a presentation on the topic, share with classmates, and present the information. I am very interested in having my students become e-mail pals with other classes from around the globe. Not only does this allow students to gain insight from others it also teaches the diversity of language skills, contexts, and more.

Teaching cultural understanding can come in many forms. By using technology, I can focus on specific aspects of other cultures. I teach a Native American unit in collaboration with our history teacher, and we teach a lot about the culture of that time during that unit. Students are required to research a tribe and present the information. Some students choose to dress in the attire from their tribe. Students use the Internet to gather research, but I would also like to look for people that could Skype with our students to provide information. Skype, or other video conferencing tools, can be used to connect with classrooms, professionals, and content experts around the world.

I begin focusing on global awareness beginning with third grade. I enjoy using Google Cardboard for students to travel the globe and experience these real places in 3-D. You can also use the Google Field Trip app. As students get older, I work with teachers to utilize digital field trips that connect to novels that students are reading, time periods they are studying, etc. One other tool I enjoy using specifically with older students is the Google Tour Builder. This is great to have students really dive deeper into different places around the world.

There are so many exciting things we can do to promote diversity, cultural understanding, and global awareness using digital tools. The possibilities are endless, and the technology tools are constantly evolving. How do you promote these strands in your classroom?