OPENING: Leveraging new technologies significantly contribute to diversity in learning by providing more inclusive and personalized educational experiences for all learners. Here are some ways in which new technologies can be utilized to promote diversity in learning:
- Online Collaboration Platforms: Creating online collaboration platforms or learning management systems that promote inclusivity and diversity. These platforms can offer features like real-time language translation, dialect recognition, accessibility options for individuals with disabilities, and interactive tools for different learning styles. Although, major achievements have been created for the hearing impaired in platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Zoom and Slack to mention a few, real-time multi-lingual translation and vision impairment platforms are still existing gaps. Slack currently has a bot/app feature that can be integrated for some limited language translation.
- Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences: VR can help learners gain empathy and understanding of different cultures, perspectives and experiences by virtually placing them in diverse settings.Virtual reality (VR) can be utilized in gamification, as mentioned earlier, to create immersive learning experiences that engage multiple senses, making learning more inclusive and memorable.
- Augmented Reality (AR) for Cultural Exploration: Augmented Reality (AR) can be used to enable learners to explore and experience different cultures and historical events. AR simulations can be used to create scenarios that explore biases, microaggressions, and inclusivity in various settings, fostering empathy and understanding. When leveraging AR to address diversity in learning, it’s crucial to ensure that the content is accurate, culturally sensitive, and representative of the communities it aims to showcase. Additionally, making AR experiences accessible and inclusive to all learners, regardless of their technological capabilities, is an essential consideration. As with any technology-driven initiative, thoughtful planning and consideration of the learning objectives are vital to creating meaningful and impactful AR experiences that foster cultural understanding and appreciation.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Personalized Learning: AI-powered learning systems should be adapted to each learner’s needs, interests, and learning styles. Its language processing capabilities can help students who speak different languages by providing real-time translations or content in their native language, promoting inclusivity for diverse language learners. AI can aid learners with disabilities by providing accessibility features like text-to-speech, speech-to-text, or visual aids, ensuring that personalized learning is accessible. AI algorithms can recommend diverse and culturally relevant learning resources ensuring that learners are exposed to content that reflects their backgrounds and experiences. It can also be used to track students’ emotional well-being and provide support when necessary. This technology can be particularly helpful for students who may face unique challenges related to diversity or cultural differences. By integrating AI into personalized learning experiences, organizations can create more inclusive and effective learning environments that cater to the unique needs and backgrounds of each student. However, it’s crucial to maintain transparency, ethical considerations, and data privacy when using AI to ensure a positive and responsible learning experience for all learners.
- Gamification for Inclusive Learning: Gamified learning experiences and interactive content that engages learners more effectively, making the learning process enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of learners, including those with diverse learning needs.
- Mobile Learning Applications: Mobile applications should offer accessible and inclusive learning opportunities. These apps can provide educational content in multiple languages, support offline learning, and accommodate different internet connectivity levels to reach a wider range of learners. Mobile learning apps can integrate accessibility features such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and closed captioning to support learners with diverse abilities. They can be designed to be accessible on a variety of devices and internet connections, ensuring that learners from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can participate. These mobile learning apps can feature diverse representation in visual assets, including images, videos, and illustrations, to create an inclusive and welcoming learning environment. It’s essential to continually assess and update these apps to ensure that they remain relevant, inclusive, and supportive of the diverse needs of learners.
- Data Analytics for Inclusion Insights: Leveraging data analytics should support gaining insight into the learning patterns, preferences, and needs of diverse learning populations. Analyzing this data can help identify gaps, biases, and areas for improvement, enabling facilitators to address diversity-related challenges more effectively. Data analytics can play a role in ensuring that AI systems are developed ethically and responsibly, taking into account diverse perspectives and potential social impacts. By leveraging data analytics for inclusion insights, organizations and institutions can make more informed decisions, develop evidence-based strategies, and foster environments that are more equitable, inclusive, and welcoming to all individuals. However, it’s crucial to handle data ethically, respecting privacy and ensuring that analyses are conducted in a manner that does not reinforce or perpetuate bias.
- Online Mentorship and Peer Support Networks: Leveraging online mentorship programs and peer support networks that connect learners from diverse backgrounds provides more accessible and effective ways for individuals to connect, learn, and grow together. These platforms can facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and mentorship opportunities, fostering a sense of community and support for underrepresented learners. Platforms such as Mentorly and Ten Thousand Coffees are employed to match mentors and mentees based on their interests, goals, and background, ensuring more meaningful and relevant mentorship connections. LinkedIn’s Career Advice, is an online community that supports professionals seeking guidance and access to peer support networks for continuous learning and growth. Blockchain technology can be used to establish and verify the achievements and skills of mentors and mentees, adding credibility and transparency to the mentorship process.
Note: While these technologies can be powerful tools, it’s essential to approach their implementation with a focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and ethical considerations to ensure equitable access and positive learning outcomes for all learners.
Ethical Concerns of Emerging Technologies in Online Learning:
Opening: As emerging technologies continue to shape online learning; several ethical concerns have arisen. Here are some of the key considerations:
- Privacy and Data Security: Online learning platforms collect a vast amount of data, including personal information, learning patterns, and performance metrics. Ethical concerns arise regarding the storage, usage, and protection of this data. It is crucial to implement robust security measures, obtain informed consent, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
- Al-go-rithmic Bias and Discrimination: AI-powered systems used in online learning can unintentionally perpetuate biases and discrimination. If algorithms are trained on biased data or lack diversity, they may lead to unfair outcomes and unequal opportunities for learners from different backgrounds. It is important to regularly evaluate and mitigate bias in algorithms to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all learners.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity: While technology has the potential to enhance accessibility in education, it can also create barriers for learners with disabilities or limited access to resources. It is crucial to design online learning platforms and content with accessibility features in mind, such as screen readers, closed captions, and alternative formats, to ensure equal access for all learners.
- Technological Inequality: The digital divide and access disparities pose ethical concerns in online learning. Learners without reliable internet connectivity, necessary devices, or digital literacy skills may be left behind. Efforts must be made to bridge the technological gap and provide equitable access to online learning resources for all learners.
- Ethical Use of Data: Personal data collected by online learning platforms should be used solely for the learner’s purpose and not for commercial exploitation or surveillance. Institutions, academia and platform providers must establish clear policies and guidelines on data usage, consent, and data ownership, ensuring transparency and safeguarding the people’s rights.
- Pedagogical Integrity: Emerging technologies should not compromise the integrity of the learning process. Overreliance on technological systems may diminish the role of human interaction. It is important to strike a balance between technological advancements and maintain the pedagogical principles that foster meaningful learning experiences.
- Psychological Impact: The use of certain technologies, such as virtual reality or gamification, can have psychological effects on learners. It is essential to consider the potential impact on mental health, emotional well-being, and cognitive development. Ethical guidelines should be established to ensure the responsible use of technologies and prioritize learners’ overall welfare.
Note: Addressing these ethical concerns requires collaboration among policymakers, technologists, and stakeholders to establish clear guidelines, regulations, and best practices that uphold ethical standards while harnessing the potential of emerging technologies for online learning.
Definition of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality:
- Augmented Reality (AR): AR is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view. The real environment stays visible, and the virtual stuff blends perfectly with it, making everything look like it’s all part of the same world. (Microsoft Bing)
- Virtual Reality (VR): VR, on the other hand, is an advanced technology that produces a highly immersive digital environment, effectively disconnecting users from the physical world. When wearing VR headsets, users are transported into a computer-generated 3D environment, where they can actively engage and interact with the virtual world’s elements and scenarios. (Microsoft Bing)
Opening paragraph:
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies have revolutionized the landscape of education, ushering in a new era of immersive learning experiences. By creating digital environments that closely simulate real-world scenarios, VR and AR enable learners to engage actively with 3D objects, interactive simulations, and lifelike scenarios.
Through this transformative approach, subjects such as science, history, and architecture come to life, deepening understanding and fostering active engagement among learners. But the impact doesn’t end there—VR and AR go beyond traditional instruction methods to empower learners with experiential learning, remote collaboration, and personalized pathways, all of which enrich the learner’s journey in unprecedented ways.
Whether it’s stepping into historical events, conducting risk-free experiments, or collaborating with peers in virtual classrooms, the potential for growth and discovery in VR and AR-driven learning environments knows no bounds.
Some advantages utilizing AR/VR in online learning:
- Enhanced Engagement and Immersion: AR and VR technologies provide a highly immersive learning experience, capturing learners’ attention and encouraging active participation. The interactive and 3D nature of AR/VR content stimulates curiosity, leading to deeper engagement with the subject matter. Learners can explore virtual environments, manipulate objects, and interact with simulations, making the learning process more captivating and memorable.
- Experiential Learning Opportunities: Learners can “step into” historical events, travel to distant locations, or engage in realistic simulations to gain practical insights and skills. This hands-on experience fosters deeper understanding and helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.
- Personalized and Self-Paced Learning: These technologies can be adapted to accommodate individual learning styles and preferences. Learners can progress at their own pace, revisiting content as needed, and exploring additional resources for a more comprehensive understanding. This flexibility caters to diverse learning needs and empowers learners to take control of their educational journey, promoting a sense of autonomy and self-directed learning.
Some disadvantages utilizing AR/VR in online learning:
- Cost and Accessibility: It is expensive, requires specialized equipment such as VR headsets or AR devices. This cost limits access for people from low-income backgrounds or regions with limited technological infrastructure.
- Technical Challenges and Learning Curve: Learners face difficulties in setting up and operating the required hardware and software, leading to potential frustration and distraction from the learning content. Facilitators also require training to effectively integrate AR/VR into their instructional methods, adding to the learning curve.
- Health and Safety Concerns: Extended use of AR/VR devices may lead to issues like eye strain, motion sickness, and discomfort for some users. Prolonged exposure to virtual environments can also impact learners’ sense of presence in the real world, potentially affecting their ability to transition back to traditional learning settings or real-world applications of knowledge.
Leveraging New Technologies to Address Diversity in Learning:
OPENING: xxxxx
- Online Collaboration Platforms: Creating online collaboration platforms or learning management systems that promote inclusivity and diversity. These platforms can offer features like real-time language translation, dialect recognition, accessibility options for individuals with disabilities, and interactive tools for different learning styles. Although, major achievements have been created for the hearing impaired in platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Zoom and Slack to mention a few, real-time multi-lingual translation and vision impairment platforms are still existing gaps. Slack currently has a bot/app feature that can be integrated for some limited language translation.
- Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences: VR can help learners gain empathy and understanding of different cultures, perspectives (disability, gender orientation, or social justice issues), and experiences by virtually placing them in diverse settings. Virtual reality (VR) can be utilized in gamification, as mentioned earlier, to create immersive learning experiences that engage multiple senses, making learning more inclusive and memorable.
- Augmented Reality (AR) for Cultural Exploration: Augmented Reality (AR) can be used to enable learners to explore and experience different cultures and historical events. AR simulations can be used to create scenarios that explore biases, microaggressions, and inclusivity in various settings, fostering empathy and understanding. When leveraging AR to address diversity in learning, it’s crucial to ensure that the content is accurate, culturally sensitive, and representative of the communities it aims to showcase. Additionally, making AR experiences accessible and inclusive to all learners, regardless of their technological capabilities, is an essential consideration. As with any technology-driven initiative, thoughtful planning and consideration of the learning objectives are vital to creating meaningful and impactful AR experiences that foster cultural understanding and appreciation.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Personalized Learning: AI-powered learning systems should be adapted to each learner’s needs, interests, and learning styles. Its language processing capabilities can help students who speak different languages by providing real-time translations or content in their native language, promoting inclusivity for diverse language learners. AI can aid learners with disabilities by providing accessibility features like text-to-speech, speech-to-text, or visual aids, ensuring that personalized learning is accessible. AI algorithms can recommend diverse and culturally relevant learning resources ensuring that learners are exposed to content that reflects their backgrounds and experiences. It can also be used to track students’ emotional well-being and provide support when necessary. This technology can be particularly helpful for students who may face unique challenges related to diversity or cultural differences. By integrating AI into personalized learning experiences, organizations can create more inclusive and effective learning environments that cater to the unique needs and backgrounds of each student. However, it’s crucial to maintain transparency, ethical considerations, and data privacy when using AI to ensure a positive and responsible learning experience for all learners.
- Gamification for Inclusive Learning: Incorporating elements like rewards, challenges, and friendly competition motivates learners and creates an inclusive environment where everyone can participate and excel. Gamification platforms can provide diverse options for avatar customization, allowing learners to create characters that represent a wide range of ethnicities, genders, and physical abilities.
- Mobile Learning Applications: Design mobile applications that offer accessible and inclusive learning opportunities. These apps can provide educational content in multiple languages, support offline learning, and accommodate different internet connectivity levels to reach a wider range of learners. Mobile learning apps can integrate accessibility features such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and closed captioning to support learners with diverse abilities. Mobile learning apps can be designed to be accessible on a variety of devices and internet connections, ensuring that learners from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can participate. Mobile learning apps can incorporate diverse assessment methods that accommodate different learning styles and preferences, reducing bias and fostering fair evaluations. Mobile learning apps can feature diverse representation in visual assets, including images, videos, and illustrations, to create an inclusive and welcoming learning environment. It’s essential to continually assess and update these apps to ensure that they remain relevant, inclusive, and supportive of the diverse needs of learners.
- : Leveraging data analytics should support gaining insight into the learning patterns, preferences, and needs of diverse learning populations. Analyzing this data can help identify gaps, biases, and areas for improvement, enabling facilitators to address diversity-related challenges more effectively. Data analytics can play a role in ensuring that AI systems are developed ethically and responsibly, taking into account diverse perspectives and potential social impacts. By leveraging data analytics for inclusion insights, organizations and institutions can make more informed decisions, develop evidence-based strategies, and foster environments that are more equitable, inclusive, and welcoming to all individuals. However, it’s crucial to handle data ethically, respecting privacy and ensuring that analyses are conducted in a manner that does not reinforce or perpetuate bias.
- : Leveraging online mentorship programs and peer support networks that connect learners from diverse backgrounds provides more accessible and effective ways for individuals to connect, learn, and grow together. These platforms can facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and mentorship opportunities, fostering a sense of community and support for underrepresented learners. Platforms such as Mentorly and Ten Thousand Coffees are employed to match mentors and mentees based on their interests, goals, and background, ensuring more meaningful and relevant mentorship connections. LinkedIn’s Career Advice, is an online community that supports professionals seeking guidance and access to peer support networks for continuous learning and growth. Blockchain technology can be used to establish and verify the achievements and skills of mentors and mentees, adding credibility and transparency to the mentorship process.
Note: While these technologies can be powerful tools, it’s essential to approach their implementation with a focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and ethical considerations to ensure equitable access and positive learning outcomes for all learners.
Ethical Concerns of Emerging Technologies in Online Learning:
Opening: As emerging technologies continue to shape online learning, several ethical concerns have arisen. Here are some of the key considerations:
- Privacy and Data Security: Online learning platforms collect a vast amount of data, including personal information, learning patterns, and performance metrics. Ethical concerns arise regarding the storage, usage, and protection of this data. It is crucial to implement robust security measures, obtain informed consent, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
- Algorithmic Bias and Discrimination: AI-powered systems used in online learning can unintentionally perpetuate biases and discrimination. If algorithms are trained on biased data or lack diversity, they may lead to unfair outcomes and unequal opportunities for learners from different backgrounds. It is important to regularly evaluate and mitigate bias in algorithms to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all learners.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity: While technology has the potential to enhance accessibility in education, it can also create barriers for learners with disabilities or limited access to resources. It is crucial to design online learning platforms and content with accessibility features in mind, such as screen readers, closed captions, and alternative formats, to ensure equal access for all learners.
- Technological Inequality: The digital divide and access disparities pose ethical concerns in online learning. Learners without reliable internet connectivity, necessary devices, or digital literacy skills may be left behind. Efforts must be made to bridge the technological gap and provide equitable access to online learning resources for all learners.
- Ethical Use of Data: Personal data collected by online learning platforms should be used solely for the learner’s purpose and not for commercial exploitation or surveillance. Institutions, academia and platform providers must establish clear policies and guidelines on data usage, consent, and data ownership, ensuring transparency and safeguarding the people’s rights.
- Pedagogical Integrity: Emerging technologies should not compromise the integrity of the learning process. Overreliance on automated systems, such as chatbots or AI-driven grading, may diminish the role of human instructors and personal interaction. It is important to strike a balance between technological advancements and maintain the pedagogical principles that foster meaningful learning experiences.
- Psychological Impact: The use of certain technologies, such as virtual reality or gamification, can have psychological effects on learners. It is essential to consider the potential impact on mental health, emotional well-being, and cognitive development. Ethical guidelines should be established to ensure the responsible use of technologies and prioritize learners’ overall welfare.
Note: Addressing these ethical concerns requires collaboration among educators, policymakers, technologists, and stakeholders to establish clear guidelines, regulations, and best practices that uphold ethical standards while harnessing the potential of emerging technologies for online learning.
Teaching Ethics in the Age of Technology
Ethical decision-making should be included as a 21st century skill (overused term but don’t know of an alternative). Some would profess that ethical decision-making has always been a needed skill. But we are living in the most complex era of human history. Information access and abundance, and emerging technologies are advancing, and being developed and disseminated at rates that the human mind often cannot comprehend. Now more than ever ethics should be integrated into young people’s educations.
Society is a dynamic system. It must, by nature, evolve in order to survive. As we develop the new definitions of appropriate behavior in the online environment it is imperative that many members of society be engaged in this ongoing dialogue. An informed community and active discussion of ethical issues will enable society to determine civil and just manners to deal with the nuances of technological advancement (Rezmierski, 1992). By opening this dialogue within the K-12 environment, teachers will be able to prepare students to understand the proper use of technology and explore the issues that will continue to unfold (Using Moral Development Theory to Teach K-12 Cyber Ethics).
Every day, news of cyber-crime, theft of intellectual property, or the next cyber-bully suicide is part of today’s reality. School districts all across America must ensure that cyber ethics is part of curriculum. Today’s student is tomorrow’s business leader. Each student should have the ability to receive proper education. In order for students to receive that education, each teacher needs to go through adequate training in order to provide a solid foundation to each student. Current statistics should be a national wakeup call to act and provide teachers the proper tools necessary. The future of this nation’s infrastructure will depend on it (Should it be mandatory for schools to teach cyber ethics?)
Each year, the John J. Reilly Center puts out List of Emerging Ethical Dilemmas and Policy Issues in Science and Technology. These can be used as a source for ethical dilemma discussions in middle school and high schools classes:
- The Right to Privacy versus the Right to Know: The dizzying advances and the ubiquitous nature of communications and computers, and the astounding increases in the amount of data produced and collected in the world, have fundamentally changed the meaning of what constitutes an expectation of privacy. Computer data mining systems and advanced statistical techniques, operating on prodigious amounts of structured data, pictures, and numerous electronic signals, are allowing unprecedented knowledge of individual preferences and behavior. In addition, individuals freely share surprising amounts of private information – which becomes searchable and discoverable – on social media systems and commercial sites. Unfortunately, the policies, regulations, laws and ethical codes of behavior in regard to privacy and data have lagged far behind technology development, reflecting instead twentieth-century precedent and case law. (Data Collection and Privacy)
- Internet Access as a Human Right: Mobile wireless connectivity is having a profound effect on society in both developed and developing countries. The penetration of smart phones and tablets has led to consistent doubling of mobile data usage on an annual basis, which is putting tremendous pressure on telecommunication networks and the government bodies that regulate the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. These technologies are completely transforming how we communicate, conduct business, learn, form relationships, navigate, and entertain ourselves. This confluence of wireless technology developments and societal needs present numerous challenges and opportunities for making the most effective use of the radio spectrum. How can we make the most effective use of the precious radio spectrum, and to close the digital access divide for underserved (rural, low-income, developing areas) populations? (List of Emerging Ethical Dilemmas and Policy Issues in Science and Technology 2013)
- Data Chip Implants in Humans: From locating lost children to keeping your financial data and medical records handy, we’re about to see a surge in datachip implants. Able to transmit and store data, chips will soon enable us to verify our identities, see if our children have traversed the boundaries (or “hopped the geofences”) we set for them, give paramedics and doctors immediate access to our medical records, allow us to go wallet-free as we pay for our groceries via a handswipe, or even store our educational and employment data for a job interview. Can these implants become a mandatory form of ID? How do we protect our privacy from hackers? Can this data be sold to law enforcement or other companies? Does the good outweigh the bad? (List of Emerging Ethical Dilemmas and Policy Issues in Science and Technology 2014)
- Neuro-enhancements: Brain stimulation devices are most commonly used in treatment for various neurological and behavioral conditions, but the same technology can be used to enhance the human brain beyond its natural abilities. But should it? And at what point do we cross the line? Do we have a responsibility to be the best humans we can be? (List of Emerging Ethical Dilemmas and Policy Issues in Science and Technology 2014)
- Human-Machine Interfaces: Thus far, the main purpose for developing brain-computer interfaces has been to allow amputees and those who suffer from paralysis to mentally control a mobile robot or robotic prosthesis. They have already made possible some remarkable feats, such as partial restoration of hearing in the deaf, direct brain control of a prosthesis, implanting false memories in a rat, and downloading a rat’s memory of how to press a lever to get food and then uploading the memory after the original memory has been chemically destroyed.. And if we can implant wiring, then, in principle, we can turn the body or any part of it into a computer. But while most of us have no problem with prosthetic limbs, even those directly actuated by the brain, nor with pace makers, or cochlear implants, we may feel uncomfortable becoming part machine. At what point does the interface between body and machine dissolve? When we can make our bodies part machine, is it necessary to redefine personhood? Will we all be assimilated? (List of Emerging Ethical Dilemmas and Policy Issues in Science and Technology 2014)
- Predictive Policing: The National Institute of Justice defines predictive policing as “taking data from disparate sources, analyzing them and then using the results to anticipate, prevent and respond more effectively to future crime.” Some of these disparate sources include crime maps, traffic camera data, other surveillance footage, and social media network analysis. But at what point does the possibility of a crime require intervention? Should someone be punished for a crime they are likely to commit, based on these sources? Are we required to inform potential victims? (List of Emerging Ethical Dilemmas and Policy Issues in Science and Technology 2014)
Learners can also examine and analyze recent court cases related to online behavior:
- In the 2010 Roger Corey Bonsant case, Bonsant, then a 17-year-old high school student, was arrested and charged with criminal defamation after he was accused of creating a fake Facebook page using a teacher’s name and image. While the case is still being decided, this is an example of criminal ramifications that students may face for participating in dubious online acts.
- Several cases exist in which students who created false Facebook or MySpace pages featuring the names and likenesses of teachers and administrators. On these pages, students published items painting the educators as drug and sex addicts. In some cases school punishments were reversed by courts, due to the fact that the student activity took place off school grounds and presumably was not sufficiently “disruptive” of the school environment to override the students’ right to free speech. The victims depicted in these false Facebook pages could very well have filed charges, however.
- In 2011, a 12-year-old Seattle girl was arrested and charged with cyberstalking and first-degree computer trespassing. Authorities alleged that she stole a former friend’s Facebook password, logged into the account and posted explicit content. She was found guilty and sentenced to probation. (The girls’ school does not seem to have been involved in this case.)
- Six Nevada middle-schoolers were arrested in January, 2011 for using Facebook to invite other students to take part in “Attack a Teacher Day.” They were all arrested and charged with communicating threats, as several specific teachers were called out in posts to the Web site.
- In the Phoebe Prince case, Prince was bullied (both in person and online) by a group of teens at her Massachusetts high school after it was discovered she had a brief relationship with a boy. The boy’s girlfriend and a group of her friends systematically tormented Prince in retaliation. The bullying was considered a factor in Prince’s January 2010 suicide. All the teens involved were arrested on manslaughter charges. They eventually pled guilty to lesser crimes and were sentenced to probation and community service. See more at: http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson-plan-booster/cyber-ethics.shtml#sthash.x9lXKv3v.dpuf
Some of the results or benefits of intentionally teaching ethics at school:
- Helps develop critical thinking skills
- Focuses on higher levels of Blooms’ taxonomy of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation
- Assists learners in becoming critical consumers of technology
- Facilitates the exploration of real world, authentic problems
- Develops knowledge, skills, and judgement that can be used in both personal life and later in the workforce
Additional Resources:
- Technology & Ethics: Activity Ideas
- Common Core in Action: Teaching Online Ethics
- Incorporating Ethics Into K-12 STEM Education
- New Video Game Focuses on Teaching Kids Ethics
10 Strategies to Enhance Diversity and Inclusion in Your Organization: Leveraging Technology for Education and Awareness
Trent Draper
In today’s global business landscape, diversity and inclusion are critical elements of success. Companies that prioritize these values not only foster a more inclusive and innovative work environment, but also experience better financial performance, increased employee engagement, and higher retention rates.
Enhance Diversity and Inclusion in your Organization — “Image by upklyak on Freepik
A Deloitte study found that organizations with inclusive cultures are six times more likely to be innovative and twice as likely to meet or exceed financial targets. This reinforces the idea that embracing diversity and promoting inclusion is not only the right thing to do but also a smart business move.
As someone who has lived in five countries and done business in over 40 countries, I have had the privilege of working with talented individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, and I have seen firsthand how diversity can drive innovation and success.
In this article, I’d like to share ten strategies companies can implement to foster a more inclusive environment and promote a diversity culture. We’ll also discuss how technology, like Get More Brain, can help educate and raise awareness about the importance of these values in the workplace. To enhance diversity and inclusion in your organization, let’s explore these strategies.
Develop a clear diversity and inclusion mission statement
A well-defined mission statement showcases your company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. It establishes a clear vision and communicates expectations for employees, customers, and stakeholders. This statement should be incorporated into your organization’s core values and communicated throughout the company.
Provide unconscious bias training
Unconscious biases can affect decision-making processes and perpetuate inequality. Providing regular unconscious bias training for employees helps raise awareness, identify personal biases, and develop strategies to mitigate their impact. This fosters a more inclusive work environment.
Create Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Difference Between AR and VR
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are both immersive technologies, but they differ in their fundamental concepts and how they interact with the real world. Here are the key differences between AR and VR:
- Definition:
- Augmented Reality (AR): AR is a technology that superimposes computer-generated content, such as virtual objects, images, or information, onto the user’s view of the real world. The real-world environment remains visible, and virtual elements are seamlessly integrated into it.
- Virtual Reality (VR): VR, on the other hand, is a technology that creates a completely immersive digital environment, isolating the user from the physical world. Users wearing VR headsets are transported to a computer-generated 3D environment where they can interact with the virtual world.
- User Experience:
- AR: Users experience a blend of real-world elements and virtual content. They can interact with both the physical environment and the digital overlays.
- VR: Users are fully immersed in a simulated environment, and their view is entirely composed of the virtual world, cutting off the real-world surroundings.
- Devices:
- AR: AR experiences can be delivered through various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, AR glasses, and heads-up displays (HUDs).
- VR: VR experiences typically require specialized VR headsets or goggles to create the immersive environment.
- Interaction:
- AR: Users can interact with virtual elements in the context of the real world. For instance, they might use hand gestures or voice commands to manipulate AR objects.
- VR: Users interact with the virtual environment through controllers or gestures within the simulated space.
- Purpose and Applications:
- AR: AR is often used to enhance real-world experiences by adding contextual information or providing interactive elements. It finds applications in fields such as gaming, education, navigation, and retail.
- VR: VR is used to create entirely new simulated environments for gaming, training simulations, virtual tours, architectural visualization, and therapeutic applications, among others.
- Awareness of Surroundings:
- AR: Users in AR are aware of their physical surroundings as the real world is still visible.
- VR: In VR, users are fully immersed and isolated from their physical environment, making them unaware of what’s happening around them in the real world.
In summary, AR enhances the real world with virtual elements, allowing users to interact with both realms, while VR creates a completely immersive digital environment that isolates users from their physical surroundings. Both technologies offer unique opportunities and applications in various industries and continue to evolve and impact how we perceive and interact with digital content and the world around us.
Definition of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality:
- Augmented Reality (AR): AR is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view. The real environment stays visible, and the virtual stuff blends perfectly with it, making everything look like it’s all part of the same world. (Microsoft Bing)
- Virtual Reality (VR): VR, on the other hand, is an advanced technology that produces a highly immersive digital environment, effectively disconnecting users from the physical world. When wearing VR headsets, users are transported into a computer-generated 3D environment, where they can actively engage and interact with the virtual world’s elements and scenarios. (Microsoft Bing)
Opening paragraph on the intersection of technology and online learning:
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies have revolutionized the landscape of education, ushering in a new era of immersive learning experiences. By creating digital environments that closely simulate real-world scenarios, VR and AR enable learners to engage actively with 3D objects, interactive simulations, and lifelike scenarios.
Through this transformative approach, subjects such as science, history, and architecture come to life, deepening understanding and fostering active engagement among learners. But the impact doesn’t end there—VR and AR go beyond traditional instruction methods to empower learners with experiential learning, remote collaboration, and personalized pathways, all of which enrich the learner’s journey in unprecedented ways.
Whether it’s stepping into historical events, conducting risk-free experiments, or collaborating with peers in virtual classrooms, the potential for growth and discovery in VR and AR-driven learning environments knows no bounds.
Some advantages utilizing AR/VR in online learning:
- Enhanced Engagement and Immersion: AR and VR technologies provide a highly immersive learning experience, capturing learners’ attention and encouraging active participation. The interactive and 3D nature of AR/VR content stimulates curiosity, leading to deeper engagement with the subject matter. Learners can explore virtual environments, manipulate objects, and interact with simulations, making the learning process more captivating and memorable.
- Experiential Learning Opportunities: Learners can “step into” historical events, travel to distant locations, or engage in realistic simulations to gain practical insights and skills. This hands-on experience fosters deeper understanding and helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.
- Personalized and Self-Paced Learning: These technologies can be adapted to accommodate individual learning styles and preferences. Learners can progress at their own pace, revisiting content as needed, and exploring additional resources for a more comprehensive understanding. This flexibility caters to diverse learning needs and empowers learners to take control of their educational journey, promoting a sense of autonomy and self-directed learning.
Some disadvantages utilizing AR/VR in online learning:
- Cost and Accessibility: It is expensive, requires specialized equipment such as VR headsets or AR devices. This cost limits access for people from low-income backgrounds or regions with limited technological infrastructure.
- Technical Challenges and Learning Curve: Learners face difficulties in setting up and operating the required hardware and software, leading to potential frustration and distraction from the learning content. Facilitators also require training to effectively integrate AR/VR into their instructional methods, adding to the learning curve.
- Health and Safety Concerns: Extended use of AR/VR devices may lead to issues like eye strain, motion sickness, and discomfort for some users. Prolonged exposure to virtual environments can also impact learners’ sense of presence in the real world, potentially affecting their ability to transition back to traditional learning settings or real-world applications of knowledge.
