Embracing Diversity in the Virtual Delivery of Educational Materials

           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/