ITEC 7430 Module 11 Post

Diversity, Cultural Understanding, and Global Awareness:

This blogging assignment requires reflection on resources that cover a broad range
of topics, and is the frustrating reason for this convoluted post. Articles on
cultivating cultural tolerance, preparing students to be self learners, technology to
improve academic performance, and differentiating instruction with technology are
a mixed bag. I think KSU ITEC does a great job of online course development, but
this module is like a meal of leftovers. Each dish is healthy and tasty, but all
together, yuck!
So I begin with the unpleasant task of responding to an article that is based on
premises that I dont agree with. Specifically, the web site article by Lyn Hilt
suggests that it is dangerous, from an educational perspective, for parents,
teachers, students and administrators to consider the alternate views of others to
be wrong, not just different. (The Case for Cultivating Cultural Awareness, 2011, p.
1) I respectfully submit that some views espoused by some cultures are wrong, and
in fact students need to be aware of the dangers of those ideologies. Hilt further
characterizes the conservative nature of the school district where she works as a
negative. Her example of Christmas celebration in those schools is her evidence of
whats wrong. Where is her religious sensitivity?
Here are my thoughts on how the internet can be used to increase the cultural
understanding and global awareness of my students. I teach Architectural Drawing
& Design, and I want my students to understand the differences in the design of
built environments (with emphasis on residential habitats) in other countries and
cultures. As such, I will develop a unit of study requiring my students to use the
internet for research projects on global housing styles, function, and format. In the
design process it is important for the designer to research every aspect of the
problem/need in order to offer the best possible design solution. A follow-up project
to create a conceptual design for a home that meets the diverse needs of a selected
family (or their own family) will be assigned. This unit of study will help the
students to develop greater understanding of and respect for the diversity of human
housing needs. In a global economy where architects often compete against firms
from other parts of the world, to develop projects across the globe, cultural
awareness and sensitivity is critical.
Students in my curriculum learn about Universal Design which places a focus on
development of design solutions with consideration of human diversity. As a
residential designer/builder of custom homes for twenty years I learned much about
the required nuances of home environments for clients from diverse cultures, race,
ethnicity, gender, sexual preference, socioeconomic status, political views, and
religions. Sensitivity to those diversities was a requisite for a successful relationship
with those clients. I was successful at that in spite of my beliefs that some of their
lifestyle choices are destructive to mankind, the greater good, and morally wrong.

Next, in response to the assignment, I offer a personal this example of how I can
communicate and collaborate with whomever, from anywhere in the world because
of the internet. Please read and respond to the thoughts I express in this paragraph:
I believe that trends for teaching about diversity are moving in the direction
of promoting total acceptance of different views on many issues. Teaching
students that what they have been taught at home or in church as an
absolute truth is only relative, and there are no absolutes is morally wrong!
If it had to do with the subject matter I was teaching, I would want to
encourage my students to seek the absolute truth for themselves, and avoid
the sad existence of becoming agnostic. But I am certified to teach math,
engineering and technology, architecture and construction, and business. In
those subjects the only moral topics to be addressed are respect, honesty
and integrity. I dont believe I will find any parent or administrative opposition
to taking the high road on those issues. And when you really think about it
and drill down to the core of these issues, arent honesty, respect and
integrity the best approach to begin with?
And now, Ill move away from that topic, and comment on personalized learning (my
clumsy attempt to combine the other three resources into one topic). Ill make it
pithy; Im about to run out of screen space. I believe that self-learning is the best
way to accumulate practical knowledge. With that in mind, Ill share my thoughts
about Will Richardsons conclusion that educators must focus on empowering
students to be patient, passionate, and connected learners to be engaged
whenever, and in whatever, is needed (2012). I say right on! Th-Th-Th-Th
Thats all folks (Porky Pig, 2014)
References
Hilt, L. (2011, October 26). The Case for Cultivating Cultural Awareness. Retrieved
from Powerful Learning Practice: http://plpnetwork.com/2011/10/26/the-casefor-cultivating-cultural-awareness/
Porky Pig. (2014, October 15). Retrieved from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porky_Pig
Richardson, W. (2012, February). Preparing Students to Learn Without Us. Retrieved
from Educational Leadership: http://www.ascd.org/publications/educationalleadership/feb12/vol69/num05/Preparing-Students-to-Learn-Without-Us.aspx

Response to Brooke Skelton: http://skeltonb.weebly.com/blog/diversity-culturalunderstanding-and-global-awareness#comments

Hey Brooke,

Your statement on the realities of a worldwide economy and global competition is

well placed in a discussion of diversity, cultural understanding, and global
awareness. However, I'm not sure if I understand or agree with your statement that
"public and private organizations need diversity to become more competitive." I
recognize the need to help students gain awareness and knowledge of differences
among peoples, and that is something I hope my students achieve. But should I also
be preparing them to expect that their careers will be in a highly diverse work
environment?