Differentiating Instruction through Technology

Technology will be used to differentiate instruction in the classroom because of its limitless
benefits. Technology does have cons like super-fast hard to keep up advances, but it also has its
pros like super advanced technology. There is a great impact on student achievement when using
technology to differentiate instruction as well as Student Centered Technology playing an
integral part of a student-centered classroom because it only enhances the students learning
experience and it fosters differentiation of instruction by being modified and tailored to the
students specific needs, therefore electronic communication devices, ATL assistive technology
learning, educational websites and software should be used in a classroom to provide each
student with experiences and tasks to improve their learning in the integration of differentiate
instruction. Although Teachers should not only use technology to differentiate instruction, it
should definitely be used because Technology has so many perks and endless possibilities.
Electronic Communication devices such as Computers, I pads, and digital projectors will be
used instead of a paper pen for subjects other than math and writing. Electronic devices can have
a maximal impact on student achievement and is student centered because it will provide
students with the knowledge and tools necessary to be fluent in the use of technology. Students
will be able to communicate their ideas and information by using a variety of media and formats
by independently applying the digital tools and resources in addressing problems, tasks and
executing presentations and/or communicating with multicultural classrooms for a virtual class
project. Electronic communication devices may not be useful for certain students with special
needs, but this is part of the challenge of differentiate instruction. Teachers face the daily
challenge to provide and meet every students needs. The challenge for coming decades is to
equip teachers with skills and tools for differentiating instruction in ways that enable and inspire

children from all backgrounds to become excellent students, skilled parents, productive workers,
and, ultimately, fulfilled human beings (Ferguson, R. F. 2007).
ATL- assistive technology learning refers to devices, media and services used by students
with physical, sensory, cognitive, speech, learning or behavioral disabilities to actively engage in
learning and to achieve their individual learning goals (Alberta Education, 2006 as cited by
Kraglund-Gauthier, W. L., Young, D. C., & Kell, E. 2014) ATL will be used in a classroom to
accommodate and enhance students learning. It will help students accomplish tasks that
otherwise would be impossible. Just like any other technology, ATL tools range from simple to
complex systems. For example students that need an electric wheel chair to move around,
specific software like dragons speak, to communicate or a personal computer with a special
screen to type or speak into will be accommodated by differentiation instruction. With ATL
students would be able to use digital tools to communicate and work with others (ISTE 1).ATL
has a direct impact on student achievement simply because without these tools, everyday life
activities would be impossible. The importance in student centered technology in the classroom
is that for regular learning students technology makes things easier as with students with
disabilities, technology makes things possible. As explained in Teaching Students with
disabilities 2014, Arguably, all technology can be described as assistive technology it assists
us in doing something better, easier or faster.(Kraglund-Gauthier, W. L., Young, D. C., & Kell,
E. 2014).
State and District approved Software and Websites are also tools that will be integrated into
the classroom to differentiate instruction. These tools will have a great impact on student
achievement because they are student centered, targeting students learning and are aligned with
common core and ISTE standards. Most district approved website and software are designed to

help students develop in their critical thinking, problem solving and decision making along with
communication and collaboration skills. With educational websites and software, students learn
to develop creativity and innovative ideas, they learn to use digital tools for research, creating
innovative products and executing digital presentations.
Pros and Cons
Technology has its Cons like its super rapid growth in scientific advances like, software, apps,
websites, and other technologies that are hard to keep up with, like (Cons Mukerjee 2014, p.56)
stated according to. (Kraglund-Gauthier, W. L., Young, D. C., & Kell, E. 2014). The digital
world is driving innovation and continuous change at such a rapid and random rate that
universities are struggling to keep up with demand Other issues are that educators do not know
how to use the advances tools that disabled students require.(Kraglund-Gauthier, W. L., Young,
D. C., & Kell, E. 2014). But despite the downfalls of technology, it is essential and imperative to
students learning. Without technology some students would be left behind and as Siegel states
Traditionally, technology enables educators to provide gifted students to more advanced
content, applying critical and creative thinking skills, constructing and sharing sophisticated
products and their interdisciplinary applications (Siegle & Mitchell, 2011, restated by Siegle,
D. 2014).
Conclusion

Technology is used in the classroom to differentiate instruction because of its endless

possibilities. Technology has its cons as well as its outweighing pros. Its impact on student
achievement when using technology to differentiate instruction is maximal as well as Student

Centered Technology being an integral part of a student-centered classroom. Technology not

only enhances the students learning experience but also fosters differentiation of instruction by
meeting students specific needs, therefore electronic communication devices, ATL assistive
technology learning, educational websites and software must be utilized in the classroom to offer
each student with experiences and tasks to improve their knowledge in the integration of
differentiate instruction. Technology should not be the only technique used to differentiate
instruction but it should absolutely be used because of its importance in the benefit and endless
possibilities.
References
Kraglund-Gauthier, W. L., Young, D. C., & Kell, E. (2014). Teaching Students with Disabilities
in Post-secondary Landscapes: Navigating Elements of Inclusion, Differentiation, Universal
Design for Learning, and Technology. Transformative Dialogues: Teaching & Learning Journal,
7(3), 1-9.
Ferguson, R. F. (2007). Become More Sophisticated about Diversity. Journal Of Staff
Development, 28(3), 33-34.
Siegle, D. (2014). Technology: Differentiating Instruction by Flipping the Classroom. Gifted
Child Today, 37(1), 51-55.