Promoting multicultural understanding and positive self-concept through a distance learning community: Cultural connections |
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| Authors: | Lauren Cifuentes Karen L Murphy |
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| Institution: | (1) the Department of Educational Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education, Texas A&M University, College Station;(2) Department of Educational Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education, Texas A&M University, College Station |
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| Abstract: | We explored the effectiveness of distance learning and multimedia technologies in facilitating an expanded learning community
among two teachers and their students in geographically separated schools. The teachers collaboratively developed curricular
activities and identity-forming multicultural activities for their K-12 students to conduct over the distance. Predominantly
Hispanic students in a school on the Texas border with Mexico communicated regularly over a school year with diverse students
in a partner school hundreds of miles to the north. They participated in collaborative activities and shared multimedia files
via interactive videoconference. Using qualitative research methods, we discovered that the participating teachers developed
empowering multicultural relationships while their students developed multicultural understanding and positive self-concept.
Examples of empowerment and positive self-concept included raised levels of academic aspirations and heightened poise during
public speaking.
Thanks to Lucy Cifuentes, Sharon Clark, Trina Davis, and Teri Metcalf for their contributions of raw data and earlier versions
of writings about Cultural Connections. Also, thanks to Ester Gonzales and Trina Davis for permitting us to use their names
in this paper. |
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