What does it mean to differentiate?
Differentiation is looking at the differences in students, celebrating that difference, and working within it to facilitate their learning potential. The most common ways to differentiate is through the way, we as teachers, present our material to students and how we want them to show us their knowledge and understanding of the material. (Smartatmath, 2011) When teachers are asked to explain how they are incorporating differentiation learning in the classroom these are just a few of what are generally said:
-Learning leveled groups
-Time accommodations such as more time on test and/or assignments
-More visuals when teaching such as picture examples when defining concepts and words
-Manipulaives for hands on learning
-Sentence frames to aid in writing
-One on One teacher student time
These are great and necessary ways to reach all students with differentiation of learning and there are even more ways that technology can further reach all students so that all students are able to perform at their potential in the classroom.
Smartatmath. (November 30, 2011). Tips and strategies for effective differentiation & instruction. Retrieved from youtu.be/mVRYSC8YyYA
-Learning leveled groups
-Time accommodations such as more time on test and/or assignments
-More visuals when teaching such as picture examples when defining concepts and words
-Manipulaives for hands on learning
-Sentence frames to aid in writing
-One on One teacher student time
These are great and necessary ways to reach all students with differentiation of learning and there are even more ways that technology can further reach all students so that all students are able to perform at their potential in the classroom.
Smartatmath. (November 30, 2011). Tips and strategies for effective differentiation & instruction. Retrieved from youtu.be/mVRYSC8YyYA
How technology can help differentiation
"One major benefit of using technology both inside and outside the classroom is being able to meet the needs of students’ individual learning styles, particularly for those students with unique needs, such as non-English speaking students and those with physical/learning disabilities." (Whittenberger, 2013) Technology can further assist differentiation of instruction to those students who are left outside the margins of the classroom. Incorporating technology in the classroom can help teachers give more time for one on one instruction because students can do independent work structured at their level (still differentiated) while trying to give even more attention to those who need even a little more help.
“Learning Styles and Technology” lists four ways technology improves individualized learning:
The main benefit of using technology as a means to differentiate is that it is possible to reach more students ensuring that learning is equitable to all.
Whittenberger, R. (Januarary 4, 2013). 4 Ways support technology and learning styles & digital communication. Ving. Retrieved from blog.vingapp.com/education/4-ways-technology-and-learning-styles/
"One major benefit of using technology both inside and outside the classroom is being able to meet the needs of students’ individual learning styles, particularly for those students with unique needs, such as non-English speaking students and those with physical/learning disabilities." (Whittenberger, 2013) Technology can further assist differentiation of instruction to those students who are left outside the margins of the classroom. Incorporating technology in the classroom can help teachers give more time for one on one instruction because students can do independent work structured at their level (still differentiated) while trying to give even more attention to those who need even a little more help.
“Learning Styles and Technology” lists four ways technology improves individualized learning:
- Students can interact with the technology at their own pace and review material when necessary to aid understanding or memory.
- Computer-based tools help students develop their visual, kinesthetic, aural, and oral skills.
- Students with physical disabilities can use computers with adaptive devices so that they can participate fully with their classmates.
- Computers help students transform data from numbers to graphs or translate words from one language to another." (Whittenberger, 2013
The main benefit of using technology as a means to differentiate is that it is possible to reach more students ensuring that learning is equitable to all.
Whittenberger, R. (Januarary 4, 2013). 4 Ways support technology and learning styles & digital communication. Ving. Retrieved from blog.vingapp.com/education/4-ways-technology-and-learning-styles/
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What is Universal Design of Learning (UDL)Is an ideology and practice in the classroom that focuses on how students learn best and how to reach every student in the classroom.
The more accurate definition found on the UDL webpage: "From the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 ... The term UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING means a scientifically valid framework for guiding educational practice that: (A) provides flexibility in the ways information is presented, in the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and in the ways students are engaged; and (B) reduces barriers in instruction, provides appropriate accommodations, supports, and challenges, and maintains high achievement expectations for all students, including students with disabilities and students who are limited English proficient." So in UDL is the practice of differentiation for students in the classroom. Here is further information about UDL: National Center on Universal Design for Learning.www.udlcenter.org/ |
Activities
One way teachers can use differentiation in their classroom is by utilizing YouTube. I know myself and other teachers use YouTube in the classroom to emphasis concepts in the classroom. An example would be reading about eagles and watching a video about eagles to help those that need more a visual or to have the concept delivered differently to understand content.
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YouTube PlaylistAn example of a pre-made playlist below . This one covers 2nd and 3rd grade learning shapes.
What's great for teachers is that once the playlist is completed little up keep needs to be done, so that you can add to it for next year and use it.
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Using a YouTube Playlist allows teachers to set up a variety of videos for students to use without students having to search for them and if they need extra support it is there for them. For example students could have a research project and need to look up videos for it. Having a list provided to get them in right direction would be helpful especially in lower grades. Another example would be to have a playlist for supporting students on learning fractions and having various videos that talk about fractions in different ways.
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For more activities see the website below
teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/8484-using-technology-to-differentiate-instruction |
Note.ly
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"Note.ly's perfect for individuals looking to access their notes anywhere or teams looking to share ideas and collaborate. " (Note.ly, 2013) This is especially helpful for students who need to write things down in order to aid in there learning ( learners) and who need help with organizational skills.
These are more options on how to take notes online. Check them out.
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Story Online
www.storylineonline.net/about-us/
Story Online is a non-profit organization site where they have celebrities read various children's books on video to promote reading comprehension."Each book includes supplemental curriculum developed by a credentialed elementary educator, aiming to strengthen comprehension and verbal and written skills for English-language learners." (StoryOnline, 2017)
Above is one of my favorite books about how you should always be yourself and it's done by Sean Astin. Way it differentiates is because it provides support to those who need a visual and auditory sensation when it comes to reading books. This site provides the confidence needed to create life long book readers in students.
Assessments
Pathbrite
pathbrite.com/educators/#educators-top
Pathbrite is used as an e-portfolio that students can create to show their thinking and knowledge. It's a perfect example of differentiation because it is student centered because it is student created. This is under the assessment field because not only can you assess their knowledge by accessing the portfolio itself but it also has an analytical features where it show the average grade students had on assignments and how much growth a student gained.
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Khan Academy
www.khanacademy.org/
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Is a non-profit organization that provides online education that provides personalized learning for students. At the beginning of the lesson they provide a unit test to identify areas of growth so they can focus on what the student needs to work on. If an answer is incorrect they offer the option of watching videos to provide support or they give hints for which students can choose which option they want to do. Student get immediate feedback on what they know, what they need to work on and how. This personalized learning is what differentiation is all about making sure every student is able to learn no matter their learning style.
For more reading view the following:
www.edutopia.org/stw-differentiated-instruction-learning-styles-video |