Experiencing Diversity: Learning Through Videoconference Technology
Abstract: This session offers tools and strategies to incorporate literacy and cross-cultural learning experiences for K-12 students and pre-service teachers through videoconferencing, enabling interactions that can build understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives and customs. The need for all citizens to understand and respect other cultures and to be able to communicate with those who are culturally different is increasingly significant. This session describes a College of Education’s use of Literature Clubs, Starlight Athlete read-alouds, and international classroom collaborations as approaches to enhance learning through videoconferencing. Observational data indicate the success of these programs in bridging cultural distance, discussing and understanding similarities and differences, and building relationships. Formative evaluation is currently being conducted with results expected for inclusion in the proceedings.