Issues+in+Educational+Technology+NK

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=__Using Technology to Support Higher Order Thinking__=
 * Technology can support higher order thinking by reaching a wider audience all over the world. Some people and communities are stuck in a small bubble of their own world and don't realize or have the opportunity to explore. It is not their fault, but the internet brings different worlds to every corner to learn and expand minds.
 * The Fractured Fairytale website is a fun and interesting spin on the usual fairy tales we all have grown up with. The example on the website uses the Princess and the Frog to introduce and bring discussion on same-sex marriages and relationships. This would be a great opportunity to "break the ice" with parents who are open to discuss gay lifestyles with their children. Fractured Fairytale is an excellent way to help young minds comprehend issues that are hard to explain. Usually, children will get their information about subjects from the media and more than likely it will be negative and stereotypical. This website is a start to have open discussions on subjects that will eventually come into our lives one way or another.

=__Using Technology to Affirm Diversity__= =__**Using Technology to Support All Learners**__=
 * Technology can affirm diversity by bringing diversity to the classroom. Technology can present diversity in an interactive way. Students can actually listen, watch, and hear other cultures, countries and languages. Technologies provide different avenues for classrooms to explore beyond textbooks. Textbooks can become boring and repetitive. It is important to keep students interested and learning from textbooks may become too predictable. Teachers should keep learning fun and constantly changing to incorporate a wider range of learning. Technology can be an excellent tool for exploring outside of the classroom, community, state and country. It can provide a window to different worlds and places.
 * The National Geographic site of Afghanistan is a good technology source for learning about the country. This is an alternative source besides the media. The media tends to concentrate on the government and war affairs. There is much more to Afghanistan than US occupancy. Although learning about the current war issue is important, there is a whole culture, people, language and religion to explore. Technology affirms diversity by providing a human perspective to a nation instead of the biased media portrayal of a wore torn country.
 * Lack of technology may impact classrooms in a big way. That particular class will be behind on the technology front. This will affect the students chances on applying to colleges and competing for admissions. The students will not have a broad education on other national and world-wide issues. Universities and employers are going to be searching and looking for outstanding individuals with expansive knowledge on current, past and future issues. The future is creating global citizens that have the drive, education and technology background to embrace the constant changing country and world.