Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Just like every snowflake that falls from the sky is different, every student in every
classroom is unique. All have different social and economic backgrounds, some have home lives
that are destructive and families that are broken, others come from families who support and love
their children against all odds. No two people are alike, not even identical twins. Just as each
individual is different, so is each individuals learning style and pace of learning. As educators, it
is imperative that a way be found to reach all students to help them maximize their learning
capabilities. Differentiated instruction is a teaching method that allows educators to teach
students the same information at various degrees of learning based upon the students individual
needs.
Technology to Differentiate Instruction
(Google Tools): Differentiated instruction applies to an approach to teaching and learning so
that students have multiple options for taking in information and making sense of ideas.
(Tomlinson C. and McTighe, J. 2006) Several options that students may have available to them
are Google Notes, Google Groups, Sites, Blogger Forms and Slides. By utilizing a few of these
sites, teachers could create an on-line community where students mentor other students and peers
share their knowledge with others. Google groups could be set up so that students could help
each other with homework or support and encourage each other regarding class activities.
Because the group would be administered by the teacher, the content would be structured yet
student driven. A forum such as Google notes could be a great place for students to learn about
digital citizenship. By providing students different tools to gain knowledge to the area content,
all students should be able to maintain and surpass the standards established for their specific
grade level. Ipads could be used to research the subject area and review the content, students
can create a power point presentation to verify content understanding or use Google Forms to
create a type of survey which could provide understanding in the particular content area.
(Ipads, Tablets, Smartphones): Digital learning offers an unprecedented ability to provide
educational experiences that are tailor-made for each student. As pupils advance in programs on
English, math, science, history, art or other subjects, teachers can now track their individual
progress, identify specific areas of focus for each student with actual data to back it up, and
present solutions that address their specific needs. (Steinberg, 2013) Most children prefer to
digitally learn their numbers, colors, shapes and letters by a digital application on a tablet or
iphone. This allows them to learn at their own pace. The teacher can then monitor the skill
which the student is trying to master. Research has shown that kids engaged in interactive media
appear to retain information better than their peers who passively watch. (Braiker,
2013) Students on the autism spectrum are also using ipads to follow visual schedules, help
modify behaviors and improve visual discrimination. This allows special needs students to
Make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. ( www.ISTE.com
2014) Students without disabilities but tend to be visual learners could also benefit from an ipad.
(Digital Interactive Whiteboard): The Digital Interactive Whiteboard is a common teaching
tool found in many classroom throughout the United States. It is connected to the web through a
Bluetooth or USB connection. It is very user friendly for both students and teachers. These
boards can be used with a special pen or by a finger touch. Because the board addresses many
senses, such as sight, hearing and touching, teachers may use the whiteboard to cater to different
learning styles. The board can also be used to illustrate difficult concepts for students who are
struggling to understand the content being taught.
(http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://digital.films.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/PortalPlaylist
) s.aspx?aid=12129&xtid=41131&loid=77635
Pros and Cons: Differentiated instruction through technology can be beneficial to a students
success if technology is used correctly and monitored by adults. When using ipads, the Guided
Access option allows content to be locked on an application to reinforce lessons being taught
in the classroom. According to the International Society for Technology Education, even
children as young as four years old can practice digital citizenship. (www.ISTE.com, 2014)
Digital interactive whiteboards allow teachers to cater to different learning styles yet allow
freedom to deal with students who need individual attention.
(http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://digital.films.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/PortalPlaylist
). Some students will challenge the security of s.aspx?aid=12129&xtid=41131&loid=77635
school computers, however, all technology being used in the classroom should been monitored
by the teacher or teaching assistant in the classroom.
Students have access to an unaccountable amount of data and resources in todays educational
environment. Educators need to use those tools given to us to help improve the quality of
learning taking place in our classrooms. Every student is different and learns at a different pace,
however all students are capable of learning due to technology being present in the classroom.
References
Braiker, B. (2013). Technology in the Classroom: The Good and the Bad. Retrieved
fromhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/parentingcom/technology-in-the-
classroom_b_2456450.html
Hall, T. (2002). Differentiated Instruction. Retrieved
fromhttp://www.principals.in/uploads/pdf/Instructional_Strategie/DI_Marching.pdf
Stein, S. (2013) Technology for School and Teachers. Retrieved from
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/scott-steinberg/technology-for-schools-anb2805201.htmlberg
Learning with interactive whiteboards. (2009). Retrieved September 29, 2014, from
http://digital.films.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=12129&xtid=41131