Multiculturalism and Technology

Summary:
The article below states that it order to lead satisfying and successful lives in a culturally diverse technological society, new life skills must be acquired. This includes being both multicultural literate and computer literate. Students become better equipped for the future when they are provided opportunities that allow them to interact with people from other cultures. Unfortunately, elementary schools do not have any programs in place to encourage these interactions. Technology however, gives students a chance to interact with students from other cultures. There are activities that are specifically designed to heighten awareness of different cultures. Computers can also provide a way for students to communicate with one another even though they are from different countries. Today, computers are used all the time in the business world in order to communicate with people all over the world. This further shows why it is important for students to not only be taught multicultural literacy but also computer literacy.

My Thoughts:
I completely agree that both multicultural awareness and computer literacy can go hand in hand, but not necessarily in elementary schools. I have not heard of very many schools with multicultural computer programs. I also have not been in an elementary school for eleven years, so I’m sure that there are programs that are being used that I’m unaware of. I know that elementary schools are trying to integrate multiculturalism within every subject that is being taught. I also believe that educators are aware that computers and technology are key in being successful in the future and try to use technology when appropriate. Technology and multicultural awareness are definitely essential in today’s world.

References:
Rasmussen, K., Nichols, J., & Ferguson, F. (2006, August). It's a New World: Multiculturalism in a virtual environment. Distance Education, 27(2), 265-278. Retrieved April 20, 2009, doi:10.1080/01587910600789696.