Technology has infiltrated all aspects of our lives and there is a lot of hype about integrating technology into our classes. Distance learning has leveraged that technology to create online learning environments that can reach students in different geographies and different cultures. These global online learning environments are faced with the need to design content and learning activities that meet the needs of different students, taking into consideration their different learning styles, unique cultures, geographies, and communication styles. Digital tools have become an excellent resource to embark into this trend. In spite of good intentions, most of these tools are used as edutainment in the classroom. In this session we will provide an overview of how Walden University uses the knowledge of Cultural Competency and Learning Styles in online learning.

We will example how technology becomes a tool and not the end, to create online communities of learning that stimulate critical thinking and respect multiculturalism in the online environment.

• To teach educators attending the conference on how to utilize technology as a tool and not the end, to create online communities of learning that stimulate critical thinking and respect multiculturalism in the online environment.