New ADL online tool teaches teachers
August 12, 2008
By John Johnston
Managing Editor
Begun as a pilot program in 2007, Making Diversity Count has now become a nationwide launch of a online tool to help educators and students deal with bias and prejudice. Long known for its face-to-face training sessions in dealing with the same issues, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said it has captured the power of technology to reach an even greater audience through its A World Of Difference® Institute.
The Palm Beach County pilot program was at Logger’s Run, according to Marcie Shaughnessy, education director for the ADL’s Florida Education Division.
Shaughnessy said the national launch is now underway, and that promotional materials are currently being mailed throughout Florida, including Palm Beach County. Shaughnessy can be reached at 561-988-2900, or at mshaughnessy@adl.org.
Own Pace
“Making Diversity Count is a groundbreaking tool that uses new technology to enhance teachers’ understanding of diversity issues,” said Glen S. Lewy, ADL National Chair. “By learning to embrace the diversity of our nation’s classrooms, teachers will be better equipped to instill crucial lessons of respect, tolerance and understanding in students. These values will serve students throughout their lives and have a positive impact on those around them.”
Lewy explained that in the online course format, “users progress at their own pace, allowing for a personal, introspective and convenient experience anywhere, anytime.”
“Making Diversity Count is a 21st century tool, advancing ADL’s mission, to combat bias to help create safe and inclusive classrooms for all,” he said
The Ford Foundation and the Sylvia and Leon P. Nagin Family Foundation are founding sponsors of the Making Diversity Count program.
“This is important work,” said Luis A. Ubiñas, president of the Ford Foundation. “This program serves as a valuable resource for both new and experienced teachers as they explore issues of race, bias and diversity. The interactive online format means teachers throughout the country – no matter how remote their schools – can offer students of all ethnicities and religious persuasions the opportunity to learn the value of diversity.”
The Internet
Making Diversity Count is offered through ADL's A World Of Difference® Institute, a leading provider of anti-bias education and diversity training programs and resources. The Institute seeks to help participants recognize bias and the harm it inflicts on individuals and society; explore the value of diversity; improve intergroup relations; and combat racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry.
“The Internet is constantly expanding as a viable and respected learning platform,” said Lindsay J. Friedman, Director of the League’s A World Of Difference® Institute. “As such, it is a natural medium to implement our programming, whose centerpiece continues to be positively reaching youth and teachers. Making Diversity Count harnesses the benefits of the Internet and technology to help accomplish that goal.”
The interactive course takes approximately 15 online hours to complete, offering interdisciplinary curriculum materials, school-based video scenarios, online discussion with peers, as well as a course journal and a readings and resource list.
Course modules cover subjects such as diversity, personal identity, cross-cultural communication, conflict, name-calling and bullying. These help teachers incorporate standards-based, interdisciplinary, anti-bias resources and lessons into their classrooms.
Teachers from around the country who have gone through a pilot phase of the program describe Making Diversity Count as an “enlightening experience” that addresses “issues faced every day.” They also appreciated being able to go through the course “from the privacy of home.”
15 Hours
Making Diversity Count was created with leading educators and anti-bias professionals, piloted with teachers from around the country and evaluated by researchers at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Educators who complete the program receive certification of 15 hours of online professional development work and can obtain Continuing Education Units from their districts.
The United States Distance Learning Association with its Platinum Best Practice Award honored the program in April 2008 for Distance Learning Programming.
For more information about the Making Diversity Count online course, visit http://www.adl.org/education/mdc/.
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