Technology has changed continuously in my life. I joke with my students that I am older than Google, I am a pioneer child of technology. In elementary school, computers were brand new, and I lived for playing Oregon Trail when it was computer day. I had to take a computer class in high school to learn how to type. My parents bought a word processor so I could type all my assignments in high school. I really wished they would have bought a real computer that had the internet but that would tie up the phone, a huge dilemma. In college I truly learned how to type fast and research beyond the encyclopedia. Now, I have a computer I can walk around with, my students have their own mini computers, and the possibilities of learning are endless. I believe using technology in my classroom is a great tool for learning…within moderation. I also believe it is a great tool for differentiation. I agree with the book How to Differentiate Instruction by Carol Ann Tomlinson when it states that another factor of differentiation is to give students a voice and choice for the work they will do, and take ownership in learning (pg. 77).
When using technology in my classroom I feel like my students take ownership of their own learning. “If tasks ignite curiosity or passion in a student, and if students have the freedom to work in a way that is more efficient or that makes learning more accessible for them...” then I think I’m teaching my students the right way (pg. 83). With my Gifted and Talented students I follow the rule to choose a level above their current proficiency and provide the choice and resources to work up, to push my students a little bit beyond their comfort zones (pg. 94). Some of the strategies I provide are:
1. Orbitals "...are easily adapted for all learning styles. Orbital studies usually last for three to six weeks. Students select their own topic for orbitals, and they work with the guidance of their teacher to develop more expertise both on the topic and on becoming an independent investigator."
2. Design-a-Day: students decide what to work on, set a goal, set a timeline, assess their own progress (Tomlinson, 106). I've used SMART goals with my advanced gifted students before we work on a specific project. Sometimes I want my students to set personal goals this way so that they can accomplish them and know it can be attainable.
3. Literature Circles
4. Learning Contracts: "Learning contracts are a great strategy for a differentiated classroom because they combine a sense of shared goals with individual appropriateness and an independent work format" (Tomlinson, 128).
Other Strategies are: Differentiated Instructional Strategies
Using differentiation for technology is where my students thrive. This generation has known technology their whole lives. Their brains are wired to work with iPads, chrome books, computers, etc. I want my students to explore, discover, tinker, and create things. I think this will spark their curiosity in a way no other tool can. After reading Invent to Learn by Sylvia Libow Martinez, and Gary Stager, Ph.D., I was blown away by all the options of creating and exploring through technology and tinkering. This book called them "The Game Changers". My focus is on the fabrication and programming through computers. "While there are many options for creativity in the classroom, we believe there are three technologies that have the most potential to provide the kinds of learning experiences that change children's views of themselves as competent learners" (pg. 97). Those three technologies are: Fabrication, Physical Computing, and Programming.
Fabrication is technology based through a computer-aided design using 3 dimensional printing or laser and other cutters (pg. 97).
Martinez, Sylvia Libow, & Stager, Gary Ph.D. Invent to Learn. Construction Modern Knowledge Press, CA. 2019.
Meant 2 Prevent. December 2019. https://meant2prevent.ca/downloadable-smart-goal-planning-worksheet/
Tomlinson, Carol Ann. How to Differentiate Instruction. ASCD, VA. 2017.
It was fun to reminisce as I read about the Oregon trail and internet that tied up the phone line. Sometimes it does seem unbelievable how technology has advanced so quickly.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about all of the ideas that you would like to incorporate into your classroom. I'm excited to look into them. I agree that technology can be a great tool in offering differentiation in our classrooms.
Sara B.