The framework behind differentiated instruction is new, yet it seems secure and something that will continue to be built upon for years to come. Differentiated instruction helps engage all students at all levels (even within the same course). It meets the student where they are in their journey of education. Offering differentiated instruction can help develop active learners and active learning. Differentiated instruction provides better results than just having a set assignment that is a “one-for-all” model. When learning is differentiated it helps make the educational experience more meaningful for all of the students. Students do not get left behind and students can also work ahead.
I am new to the education field, so I don't have a lot of preset notions on what works or doesn't work. Yet, it does seem like an effective approach to helping deal with the diversity in the field of educational technology. In regard to technology, teachers and students are at different levels in what they know. In fact, some of today's students know more about technology than their teachers. But, for teachers that are using technology can do as Solomon, Allen, and Resta (2003) suggested that teachers need to help create a learner-centered environment.
This information can help us learn various methods of teaching using technology that will reach different students at their various learning levels. As far as distance learning, the spectrum varies from junior high students, who also attend traditional classrooms, to senior citizens who have not been in a classroom/”learning environment” in many, many years. Research needs to be done to help schools develop curriculum that can offer differentiated teaching/learning for their students to be better equipped to prepare their students for this technology driven society that we live in.
Reference:
Solomon, G., Allen, N.J., Resta, P. (2003). Toward digital equity: Bridging the divide in education. Boston, MA. Pearson.
Chris,
ReplyDeleteOne of the greatest hopes I have for education in regards to technology is the utilization of technology to ease the burden on teachers to provide differentiated instruction.
I am already seeing in some of my students computer classes the utilization of programs that build on their standardized test scores. Each student in the room has different assignments based upon their performance. They advance at their own pace and receive tutorials for each lesson. The program that I am referring to is Compass Learning.
I feel that if each student had a laptop, tablet, or netbook the access to differentiated instruction would increase tremendously.
Currently, I set up activities that vary for each student that is significantly ahead or behind the other students in ability. I cannot possibly provide 30 individualized assignments for 30 students for each of my four classes; therefore, the technology that is starting to be released can help with this. I value computer programs that are written to adapt to user performance. It is so difficult to assess each student’s performance on each lesson each day, so I use ActivExpressions to help me. They are a fantastic user response system. They provide the data I need and the instant feedback both myself and my students need. The problem is that the worksheets that I run are ran before I know their performance. Teachers tend to have to plan to the middle of the road kids. I print activities for students who were performing high or low that differ from the average student’s performance, but while I am at my computer printing, my students are losing time with me, time on the assignment, and are having to leave the room to pick up what prints. All of which I was never happy about.
I would really like to see the more frequent release and development of software programs that adapt to user performance for all subject areas based on daily assessments after lessons, not just on a standardized test that they took weeks or months ago. Dr. Stewart and I were just discussing the other day the conditions of testing and how they affect results. This further verifies the importance of frequent, ongoing assessments to truly understand students’ abilities.
Since you are new to the field of education, have you learned some strategies in this program that will help you with education particularly differentiated instruction? What was your previous field? How do you plan to use this degree?
Great posting!
Tiffany
Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are doing a great job with helping make the most of learning for your students through incorporating differentiated learning. I agree that it is difficult to individualize learning for everyone. It sounds like you have found some good programs to assist you. I also agree that there needs to be more software programs that help with ongoing assessment to help teachers better understand their students' abilities. I have learned that differentiated instruction is very beneficial so teachers can make the most of the learning experience for their students. Previous to this degree I served as a youth pastor and as a sports director and basketball coach and I have subbed high school classes. I am currently a substitute teacher while I finish this degree. I am completing this degree to learn more about educational technology and distance learning. I am not sure if I will return to full-time ministry in the church or in the classroom.
Thanks for your input,
-Chris
Chris, this is a great observation. I'm amazed at some of the stuff I see with other online programs, I have a few friends who teach for Kaplan, specifically how much the course can adapt to the learner simply based on early benchmark tests.
ReplyDeleteTheir is two major questions I have with differentiated learning. First, if you clearly have students who are at different levels of prior knowledge, how do you bridge the gap to help one catch up without boring the other? Second, if students are "filtered down" to lower assignments, is their highest possible grade lowered? It just doesn't seem fair that a student who is trailing behind others would have the same chance at an A as a student who is ahead of everyone else if they're being given different work.
Joe,
ReplyDeleteI think that if a teacher has students who are clearly at different levels of prior knowledge, the best way to bridge the gap to help one catch up without boring the other is for the teacher to provide additional work to continue helping to facilitate learning for the more advanced student.
If students are "filtered down" to lower assignments, I don't think that their highest possible grade should be lowered. I think something does need robe done to try to help students be placed in classes that are relevant to their knowledge/ability/learning experience, as early as possible in a school year. I understand that this is not an option in many instances. Another alternative could be to have students work in groups where the advanced students mentor the others. I agree with you that it doesn't seem fair that a student who is trailing behind others would have the same chance at an A as a student who is ahead of everyone else if they're being given different work, but what other option is there?
Thanks,
-Chris