Integrating Technology with Differentiated Learning

 

By: Abbey Vidal

Today the classroom looks very differently than it did ten years ago.  I know that when I was back in Elementary schools, we didn’t have the technology and resources that my students have available at their fingertips today.  With technology comes advantages as well as disadvantages.  But when it comes to differentiated learning, technology can be a helpful tool that can help teachers and students.  An arrayment of resources is available for teachers to use with students, which is great for differentiating learning. 

Before we dive into how technology can integrate with differentiated learning, it’s important for one to know the purpose of differentiated learning and why it is important.  Differentiated learning essentially takes into account that all students approach learning in different ways and it is up to the teacher to accommodate their needs as best as possible.  Students can speak different languages, can have different cultural and socio backgrounds, and overall be on different learning levels (gifted or special needs) can effect how students learn and process information (Ferlazzo, 2018).  With the use of technology it can help to alleviate some of the obstacles that students may face during instruction (Felazzo, 2018). 

I would like to provide a list of technology resources that can be used to utilize differentiated learning in the classroom.  I will also break down each resource so that you can see how they can be deemed helpful. 

SeeSaw

Description: Seesaw is a online resource that can be used by students and teachers that encourages creativity and provides a space for students to share feedback with one another.  Teachers and students can create and post videos to engage with one another. It can be used for any subject varying from Math to Art. It is very easy to use and navigate for students as well as teachers. 

How it can be used with Differentiated Learning:  SeeSaw offers a different approach to learning that is more interactive and visual that can help grab students’ attention.  It also allows for the students to be in charge of creating their own videos and content to share with their classmates.  It can be used for learners on all different skill levels and scaffolds learning to cater each individual student (Fortin, 2018).  It can be used for students to work independently or in a group. 

How it creates ownership: This resource does help students in creating their own engaging content and being more involved in the learning process.  It requires more a little more work, but in the end will lead to a more meaningful learning experience. 

Price: The price to use the Basic Seesaw app is free to teachers and students.  However, there is a SeeSaw Plus subscription that can be bought that provides more options to teachers and students.  

Newsela

Description: Newsela is an online resource that allows students to look up current event articles and helps students to work on reading skills as well as learning about what is going on in the world.  Teachers can assign articles to students or students can pick an article of their choosing.  Students can select between different lexile levels depending on where they are.  It also offers short quizzes with feedback and correlates to reading standards (Stern, 2015). 

How it can be used with Differentiated Learning: This resource can help students to build upon their current reading skills as well as practicing their reading skills.  It gives flexibility by allowing the students to choose an article and allowing them to read it and give their opinions on it.  Students could work independently or in groups to collaborate with one another to combine opinions. 

How it creates ownership: Students can choose the reading and are in control of what they read.  This allows for them to take responsibility of their learning content and gives them more power. 

Price:  Newsela is free, but Newsela Pro is a more advanced option for teachers that allows teachers to create content based on the readings provided. 

Prezi

Description: Prezi is an online presentation resource that helps make presentations more engaging and interesting catering to both teachers as well as students.  It is an interactive presentation that helps to engage viewers in a more unique presentation format.  It also allows for students to become like the teachers and practice their presenting skills as well as helping to build up confidence (Raki, 2016)

How it can be used with Differentiated Learning:  This resource helps students create their own unique presentations that cater to their type of learning.  By allowing students to create their presentations, they can approach researching in any way that works best for them. 

How it creates ownership: By allowing students to create their own presentations, it is allowing them to take ownership of their research and show what they have learned.  It also allows for them to share their findings with their peers. 

Price: The basic Prezi for presentations is free, but they also have video and design-based resources that do require a paid subscription. 

 

References:

Ferlazzo, L. (2018, March 05). Response: Ways to Use Tech to Differentiate Instruction. Retrieved September 08, 2021, from https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-response-ways-to-use-tech-to-differentiate-instruction/2018/06

Fortin, K. (2018). Using Seesaw to Expand the Walls of the Classroom. Retrieved September 08, 2021, from https://blog.betterlesson.com/using-seesaw-to-expand-the-walls-of-the-classroom

Raki, H. (2016, September 18). 10 ways to Differentiate Instruction with Technology. Retrieved September 08, 2021, from http://blog.whooosreading.org/10-ways-to-differentiate-instruction-with-technology/

Stern, J. (2015, March 30). Enhancing Learning Through Differentiated Technology. Retrieved September 08, 2021, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/enhanced-learning-through-differentiated-technology-julie-stern