Differentiated instruction has been an important subject for some time now, just like technology. What are some ways you can differentiate instruction while using technology?
5 ways to integrate technology and differentiated instruction in your classroom:
#1 Projects
Students can use technology to create their projects and other class assignments. These projects can be created using different technology and the students can be given choices on how they want to create their project to help differentiate them (Raki, 2016). Students can present their information using a movie, powerpoint, online storybook, song recording, etc.
#2 Centers
Teachers often need one on one time or small group time with students to help remediate or work on something they are struggling on. However, teachers often struggle with figuring out what to do with the other students during this time. This is a perfect opportunity to integrate technology into the classroom for differentiated instruction. Small groups that are leveled can work on different tasks around the classroom and one station or multiple stations can use technology. Some technology options for students to use are Newsela and EDpuzzle. Newsela allows students to read about a current event that matches a standard, but it is differentiated to adapt to student reading level. EDpuzzle allows teachers to create videos or articles and questions and have students working to complete the assignment individually or in groups. It will not let them go ahead unless they have completed all of the tasks in each section, which helps eliminate wasted time (Stern, 2015).
#3 Games
Creating a list of educational game links on each computer, iPad, or other types of technology in the classroom for students to use that is differentiated for each students specific needs. There can be a specific time for students to play these or whenever they finish another assignment early this can be an option for something to do. Some educational games that can be on the list for students include PBS kids, Mr. Nussbaum, National Geographic Kids, Poptropica, Primary Games, and Arcademic (Schaff, 2019). It is important to have lots of options so students do not get bored and can be working on different skills.
#4 Collaboration
According to Raki (2016), “When using collaborative learning groups like jigsaw, inside outside circle, or think pair share, allow students to share their thinking using a message board like Edmodo or virtual bulletin boards like Padlet.” When students are working in groups and collaborating with eachother is helps their social skills and they can also build ideas off of each other. It is important for students to not work individually all the time, but get opportunities for different types of learning. With the use of technology, students do not have to be in the same place to collaborate. For example, for a project the students can use a google document or a prezi so they can all be working on the same project at the same time. This helps students keep track of what they are in charge of and it helps the students become responsible for their part of the assignment.
#5 Teaching
The students can pretend to be a teacher. The teacher can strategically create groups of students that are on the same level and have different strengths. These students can be in charge of mastering a subject and then picking a way using technology to present the information and teach it to the other students. This gives the students an opportunity to be creative and have fun by getting to be the “teacher” for the day. This also gives the teacher an opportunity to work with struggling students on a separate task.
Conclusion
According to Smith & Throne (2007), “Technology serves as a bridge to more engaging, relevant, meaningful, and personalized learning, all of which can lead to higher academic achievement.” This personalized learning they are talking about can be known as differentiated instruction. With the use of technology in the classroom, teachers can better meet the needs of all of their students.
References
Raki, H. (2016, September 18). 10 Ways to Differentiate Instruction with Technology. Retrieved from http://blog.whooosreading.org/10-ways-to-differentiate-instruction-with-technology/
Schaff, R. (2019, April 12). 10 Free Online Educational Game Sites. Retrieved from https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/34761/10-free-online-educational-game-sites
Smith, G. E., & Throne, S. (2007). Differentiating instruction with technology in K-5 classrooms. Eugene, Or.: International Society for Technology in Education.
Stern, J. (2015, March 30). Enhancing Learning Through Differentiated Technology. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/enhanced-learning-through-differentiated-technology-julie-stern