Post 4: Reflection
This final week was spent finalizing the information I collected throughout this process and pulling the important information to put into an infographic. The end product will be broken down into similar sections as each process post with the main ideas, why they are important, and ways they can be implemented, as well as resources. Aside from finalizing the information, I wanted to explore how online learning came into play in relation to decolonizing the education system. Specifically, I wanted to explore whether the access to an online environment impacts students’ abilities to think critically and empathetically when it came to diversity and media, as well as how this has been observed in the classroom.
Digital Media and Diversity
In our first process post, we explored the direct observations of educators when exploring the impact of digital media and students’ ability to approach diversity with empathy and appreciation for other cultures. My curiosities stemmed from my own experiences as a biracial child in a primarily digital age, and the desensitization of youth to racism and discrimination through different forms of media, such as music, movies, and social media. Some information I found through this inquiry was:
- Students will often repeat what they see/hear in the media with no true understanding of its meaning (impact over intent)
- Discrimination and digital media go hand in hand; oftentimes, more often than not, people feel protected behind a screen.
- Although racism is ever-present on social media, online spaces provide opportunities for people to share their experiences, allow for education, interrupt hate, and create connections and impactful conversations.
Summary of Learning:
Where we were 40 years ago:
- Very little representation within schools for people of colour
- Discrimination was common within the classroom, primarily from peers
- There were almost no resources supporting the diverse growth of knowledge and culture within learning environments
- A highly colonial education system
Where we are now (15 years):
- Diverse resources within the learning environment
- Professional resources such as the BC curriculum, First Peoples’ Principles, etc.
- Books with diverse voices
- Guest speakers within the classroom
- Education and integration of culture within the learning environment
- Lessons on Diwali, Holi, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Eid, and Lunar New Year
- More effort to include diversity and decolonization within the classroom by individual educators
- Class projects and activities outside of the curriculum were brought into the learning environment to create more welcoming spaces
- Culture fairs, cultural surveys, etc.
Where we hope to go:
- Educating students on digital media and the importance of using online spaces respectfully
- Educating more students on impact over intent
- Using digital media to connect more with the community
- It’s not just about hearing from diverse voices, it’s about hearing from “our” voices