Including Screens in Diversity: How Can Screens Further Diversity Efforts in International Learning Communities?

Abstract

Abstract Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, otherwise known as DEIB, have become widespread terms across the globe. This thesis analyzes the use of screen technology in spreading knowledge in regard to the development and implementation of diversity practices in the international workforce. The broad availability and common use of screens provide a thriving environment for information about diversity practices within professional settings to flourish. The methodology follows a case study about the current diversity training and practices at two private international boarding schools, one in Leysin, Switzerland, and one in New York, the United States of America. The case study analyzes the successes and shortcomings of the schools’ DEIB programs. It is accompanied by textual analyses of six diversity training programs: four tutorial audio-visual videos from LinkedIn and two guidebooks, in which I again examine the programs’ successful aspects and failures. The case study results find both schools’ DEIB practices lacking in foundation, substance, and direction. The textual analyses findings exhibit significant similarities in the videos’ approaches to explaining what a DEIB program is and why it is important. However, they lack content on how to sustain a DEIB program and make it effective over a longer time span. In contrast, the written texts provide sufficient materials; but the DEIB books require a greater commitment of time for the individual to read through and thoroughly comprehend the information. Even with expanded content, I believe screen technology could present a thorough course more quickly than a written text would. In my thesis, I have defined a specific meaning for the term international diversity. My hope is that this term will not only clarify a unique application of diversity training but will also be useful in the general screen culture lexicon. International diversity training and implementation are relatively new areas of expansion for diversity training. Screen culture is the perfect technology to accomplish success in these areas. My study provides the field of screen culture with an understanding of current DEIB theories and concerns. It analyzes how screen culture contributes to DEIB goals, and how to improve its usefulness in training situations for this expanding field.