Enhancing a Multicultural Program Through HyperText Links

Abstract

~i h a n c i n~ a Multicultural Program Through HyperText LinksThe demographics of the elementary classroom are dramatically shifting in many schools throughout the nation, heightening the expectations of our educational systems to address the needs of students from diverse cultural backgrounds. The perplexing dilemma of the economically poor and the minority populations, whose numbers continue to mount, challenges the schools. In schools where demographic changes remain minimal, there is an increased awareness of the many dtures within our nation and the world. 'Ihis heightened awareness is emerging as school personnel realize that MARTHA IRWIN is Rofessor Emeritus; MARGARETA. MOORE is Associate Professor, Department of Teacher Education; JUDY STEVENSON is Educational Consultant: Eastern Michiean Universitv. Yosilanti. MI 48197. Address corr&pondence to kargaret A. MO& ~eiartment of Teacher Education, 714 N Ray Harrold, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. (Ha& co-indexing a d q nds): "Enharring a Multiculamd Program Tlrcugh HyprrText Li." kwh i R Mqara A. M w e , and Judy Stcvsnsar Copublish4 aimuhanrmsly in Computlr~ in he Schods Cllr Hawmh Reas. h.) VolLiu) The Haororth Press. Lrr.. 1994. pp. 255-280. Multiple copies d thi~ arcicklchspca may bc puchased 6wn The H a w d Dacumcnt Delivuy Ccdcr [I-800.3-HAWORTH; 9m am. -5:00 pm.(Esr)l.

Inclusiveness and ICT in education: a focus on gender, ethnicity and social class

“…The remaining studies concern theoretical arguments for sensitivity to cultural differences (Roblyer et al 1996;Reeves 1997) or practice-oriented reflections on theory and research, arguing that one should recognize students' individual backgrounds when developing or using multimedia and the Internet in education (Henderson 1996;Adler 1999;Larson 1999;Gillani 2000). Finally, authors describe the construction of culturally inclusive websites (Irwin et al 1994;McLoughlin 1999).…”

“…It is argued that programs should accommodate students' preferred learning strategies, which may be related to their gender and/or culture (Irwin et al 1994;Chisholm 1995;Freedman & Liu 1996;Henderson 1996;Ikegulu 1997;Adler 1999;Larson 1999;McLoughlin 1999). Many examples are given in the literature of cultural differences in learning strategies -or learning styles -and it is argued that much educational software is unintentionally tailored to a Western approach to learning (e.g.…”

“…Henderson (1996) is of the opinion that variability and flexibility should be features of instructional ICT programs in order to position learners as active participants in the learning process. Both Gillani (2000) and Irwin et al (1994) see it as important for a culturally sensitive website to offer students the possibility to add their own information in order to construct their own knowledge. Maurer and Davidson (1999) emphasize the motivating role ICT can play in general by giving children the responsibility for their own learning process.…”

“…She emphasizes that in order for the educational program to be accepted by the students, it should be an authentic learning environment based on subject matter that is relevant to them. Irwin et al (1994) describe the development of a multicultural website for literacy learning. Incorporating the life experiences and background knowledge of the students involved is an important part of the program, because it helps students to relate to the material and serves as a foundation for learning.…”

“…The remaining studies concern theoretical arguments for sensitivity to cultural differences (Roblyer et al 1996;Reeves 1997) or practice-oriented reflections on theory and research, arguing that one should recognize students' individual backgrounds when developing or using multimedia and the Internet in education (Henderson 1996;Adler 1999;Larson 1999;Gillani 2000). Finally, authors describe the construction of culturally inclusive websites (Irwin et al 1994;McLoughlin 1999).The common argument in articles on the content of educational ICT tools is that in order for the subject matter to be meaningful to all students, there must be no obstacles for students to identify with. This should be achieved by taking a perspective that is multicultural, non-sexist and respectful of different social classes.…”