During this abrupt evolution in how we need to effectively teach,
the National Center for Accessible Educational Materials should
be considered an invaluable resource. The mini-course http://aem.cast.org/about/new-educator-training.html should be widely shared. You are
intentionally invited to participate.
Administrators
are encouraged to accept completion of the mini-course: “Making Everyday
Curriculum Materials Accessible for All Learners” for CEU or professional development credit.
Such prudent acceptance would encourage many more teachers to
participate. Large scale access and learning would increase knowledge of what
is available but also promote delivery of educational materials through diverse
modalities that optimizes accessibility. Participate can also increase
the embrace of diversity as differences rather than deficits.
Many rural areas
with poor connectivity and urban families living in poverty experience Internet
access issues. These families need flexibility and accommodation.
Yes, telephone communication, postal service, and campus drop-off/pick-up
provides alternatives. Combining locations for free breakfast and lunch
programs with academic materials pick-up and delivery would help many
families.
In this day and age,
it is crucial to recognize each system is bound by Five Powerful Ps: people,
places, policies, programs, and processes (Purkey, 1999). The effective
instructional leader's research-based instructional process CAN be trusted when
seeking to align with people, places, programs, and policies that demand
innovative delivery of instruction. An educational process led by
principles of effective teaching for all with help create a virtual learning
environment approaching nirvana (LEAN) rather than exacerbating
frustration, anxiety, and tension (FAT City). In this
regard, YOUR research-based process can be trusted.
The virtual delivery
is what will require innovation, flexibility, and diligence. However, if a
mindset grounded in intentionality, care, optimism, and trust (I-CORT) prevails in your instructional delivery
then the FAT will more likely be cut out and a LEAN approach would advance the
learning for all mission. As intentionally inviting, effective educators,
our goal should always be to invite every human to reach her or his full
potential.
To cite:
Anderson,
C.J. (March 30, 2020). Embracing diversity in the virtual delivery of
educational materials. [Web
log post] Retrieved from http://www.ucan-cja.blogspot.com/
