Entry 3: Differentiating Instruction through Technology

Introduction
As the world continues to evolve into a technological society, it is vital that schools
incorporate more technology into the classroom. When classrooms assimilate technology, it
allows teachers to use technology tools to enhance the learning environment, motivate students,
guide students in a participatory learning process, and encourages them to learn (Shelly, Gunter,
and Gunter, 2012, p. 372, para 1). Teachers are now preparing their lesson plans to include
technology tools to accomplish this agenda. Using technology tools such as Prezi, digital videos,
and the Internet are all excellent ways to differentiate instruction through technology.
Technology to Differentiate Instruction
In a science lesson, students could be assigned to create a Prezi, which is a visual
presentation made using www.prezi.com, to show the life cycle of a cherry tomato plant. The
students would be engaged in using the ISTE standard Research and Information Fluency (ISTE
Standards-Students, 2007, para 11). Specifically, students apply digital tools to gather,
evaluate, and use information (ISTE Standards-Students, 2007, para 11). Those completing this
assignment would be required to physically plant the seed and document its growth using
personal notes and digital photographs. They would use this information, as well as suggested
Web sites, to design their presentations and fulfill the assignment requirements. This student-
centered lesson teaches students how to research, document, and present data using technology.
According to an article by Todd Campbell, Shaing Wang, Hui-Yin Hsu, Aaron Duffy, and Paul
Wolf, the use of cyber-enabled technologies in middle and high school settings is limited (2010,
p. 507, para 2). If teachers begin to expose elementary-aged students to technology, then by the
time the children reach middle or high school, they will be better prepared to use the
technologies available to enhance their education.
(Name of Technology Tool):
Another technology tool could be a digital video made for a health class assignment.
During this lesson, students would be meeting the ISTE standard of Creativity and Innovation
(ISTE Standards-Students, 2007, para 1). While completing the assignment, students
demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and
processes using technology (ISTE Standards-Students, 2007, para 1). The requirements of this
assignment require students to write a play based on their research of what exercises and healthy
habits kids can do and then digitally record their play using a flip camera. Giving students
creative freedom within the assignment will be fun and engaging to students. Internet research is
required to find the data needed to support the information presented by the students in their
videos. Internet research has been found to be a time-saver, help students remain focused on
their task, and it helps students develop better learning through exploration and research
(Huneycutt, 2013, para 4). Using a digital video is a creative and fun way to integrate
technology into the classroom.
(Name of Technology Tool):
Using the Internet to complete a history assignment is third way to differentiate
instruction with technology. Instead of taking the class on a field trip, a lesson which requires
students to research a local historical site for a possible field trip, route the trip, calculate the cost
of the trip, and then create a questionnaire for the class about that site would require the use of
the Internet. This assignment reaches the ISTE standard of Critical Thinking, Problem Solving,
and Decision Making (ISTE Standards-Students, 2007, para 16). This standard consists of
students [using] critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve
problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources (ISTE
Standards-Students, 2007, para 16). Many different Internet tools would be needed to complete
this assignment including Google Maps. Google Maps is a site that students will need as adults
to do a similar task as necessitated by the assignment. Students will need to know how to use the
Internet to find the information they need all throughout their student careers and into adulthood.
If teachers are able to use assignments to help solidify Internet skills in their students at a young
age, the students will have a great ability to use the Internet successfully in the future, no matter
the task.
There are numerous pros and cons to differentiating instruction with technology.
Possible cons could be making students feel overwhelmed by technology. If teachers require the
use of technology for every assignments, students could feel burdened by the need of technology,
could become bored with having to use it, and may not actually learn what the lesson was
intended to communicate. It is important that teachers learn to use the applicable technologies
to enhance learning at the appropriate times (Shelly et. al, 2012, p. 377, para 5). This will avoid
the possible cons listed.
The pros to differentiating instruction with technology are vast. Simply by allowing students
access to a computer lab will help them gain hands-on experience using computer technology
(Shelly et. al, 2012, p. 375, para 2). This type of learning is invaluable to a students future.
The world is increasingly becoming digital and continually advancing its technologies. What
better way to prepare children for their entrance into the world than by allowing them to use
technology; therefore, allowing them to build a strong technological skill set?
Concluding Paragraph (4-6 sentences)
When preparing to differentiate instruction with technology, a few technology tools that
can be used include Prezi, digital videos, and the Internet. Prezi presentations help students to
learn how to organize information in an aesthetically pleasing way and encourages them to
gather, evaluate and use information correctly. Digital videos help students use their creativity
and innovation while learning and encourage students to have fun while learning. The Internet is
an immense technology tool that can be utilized in many different ways to meet ISTE standards.
It is important for teachers to incorporate technology appropriately in their classrooms to help
prepare students for what lies ahead.


References:
Campbell, T., Wang, S., Hsu, H., Duffy, A., & Wolf, P. (2010). Learning with web tools,
simulations, and other technologies. Journal of science education and technology, 19(5),
505-511. Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://
search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=53556343&site=ehost-
live&scope=site
Huneycutt, T. (2013). Technology in the classroom: the benefits of blended learning. Retrieved
from http://www.nms.org/Blog/TabId/58/PostId/188/technology-in-the-classroom-the-
benefits-of-blended-learning.aspx
Shelly, G., Gunter, G., & Gunter, R. (2012). Teachers discovering computers: integrating
technology in a connected world. Retrieved from http://gcumedia.com/digital-
resources/cengage/2010/teachers-discovering-computers-integrating-technology-and-
digital-media-in-the-classroom_ebook_7e.php
ISTE Standards-Students. (2007). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards-for
students