Technology & Differentiated Instruction
New Tools for a Timeless Purpose

Abstract:

ELL, disabilities, cultural diversity, vastly different reading abilities – forget traditional cookie-cutter curriculum and instruction. Come get the resources and strategies for the technology-infused, differentiated instruction to foster every child’s academic success.

Step one is to meet your students. “Begin where the students are, not in front of the curriculum guide.” (Carol Ann Tomlinson, The Differentiated Classroom) What is their background knowledge and experience? How about their reading, writing, listening and speaking abilities? And what are their passions? Can we find the Einstein in every child? (Or the Mozart, the Barry Bonds, the Moses, the Bill Gates?) Give me one good reason why they’d rather be in school than play hooky at the local Taco Bell.

Step two is providing a variety of Content, Process, and Output (Tomlinson). Even Robert Marzano admits that to cover all the standards we’d have to expand school from K-12 to K-22! What are the truly essential, power standards? Are they all found in textbooks? What about videos, software, digital cameras, research on the Web, etc.? How can we use software and web-based products that differentiate by reading levels? And how do we assess our students? Do we provide opportunities for different products? Different means of demonstrating knowledge and mastery?

Step three is harnessing the power of technology to create an atmosphere conducive to the flowering of every learner. Use the computer’s awesome ability to “branch” to keep every student feeling both successful and challenged. Use PowerPoint to convert and print out traditional games (Go Fish!, Who am I?, Acrostics, etc.) to customize them by grade level and subject area. Play with different groupings of learners so every child has the chance to “hold the sun” and be seen as an expert by his peers.

The mantras have not changed. Every child welcome! Every child succeeding! Whatever it takes! The challenge has just become greater. Fortunately, the wisdom and the tools are rising to meet the challenge.

Dr. Burmark will gladly tailor any presentation to your specific needs.