Week 3

When I am designing a digital fabrication learning activity I take into account diversity by considering all students backgrounds. I invite students to draw on their own personal cultures and backgrounds in what they design. I also consider the entry points for students as well, this one is important to consider because students all come in at different levels. By considering entry points I am able to allow all students access to the material in a way that is comfortable for them.  An instance where I did not take into account diversity was during a small group lesson and students were rather distant and didn't make a connection with the material. The solution that I found was taking a step back and researching ways in which to connect the students to the material. One of the ways that I was able to help students make the connection was by considering my students background and  their first language of Spanish, once I made this connection and encouraged students to use their home language to help them understand the concept they grasped it in no time. 

The different aspects that I may need to consider with students that have learning disabilities might by the amount of steps in the instructions that I give. I would break the projects into clear, small steps, with checkpoints to allow students to ensure students are reaching all steps. For students that might have physical disabilities I would consider adaptive tools, software with accessibility features, and ensuring that students have a flexible work space. For students that have emotional disabilities I would consider the stress and frustration tolerance of the students, sensory triggers, and the need for predictability. By taking all of these different aspects into consideration I can hopefully create a positive learning environment that encourages students to take risks. 

Since I currently am not in contract with a school I will consider my student teaching placement in terms of changing mindset. At this time I sadly do not think that this school is ready to change their mindset. Although they are taking some steps to create a more open encouraging environment for digital fabrication there are very little opportunities for teachers to integrate it into their classrooms and would have to buy all the materials the needed themselves. I believe this is the case because the school is a smaller rural school that does not have the resources or the staff. In order for this school to gain support they would have to show that their is an advantage for students to take place in digital fabrication.