Using Technology to Differentiate

Being a special education teacher, I often need to differentiate the content that I am teaching my students. Often times I simply alter the content and use the same resources that the classroom teachers use. With the rise of the internet and other advanced tools using the internet, online resources seem like they would be beneficial tools to help my students in their areas of need.  ACSD (2011) outlines differentiation as using various strategies to reach and teach our diverse students learning needs. Smith & Throne (2002) echo this by mentioning that differentiated instruction “encourages the modification of instruction to address student diversity and to meet curricular objectives. (p.6).  In terms of literacy differentiation, Smith & Throne (2009) discuss that there are various activities students can be a part of even if they are reading the same content book. Additionally, they add that students can be working on a genre and pick differing books within that genre. (Smith & Throne, 2009). As we all know those are typical ways to differentiate content without technology. Smith & Throne (2009) mention that in order to integrate technology to help differentiate, teachers can use websites that allow students to make word webs, watch interviews, create charts on various timetables, and use online dictionaries that they are in need of. Moreover, you can focus on specific skills when it comes to reading like vocabulary learning and word processing. Smith & Throne (2002) add that there are numerous sites that allow students to focus on summarizing information, using metaphors, comparing and contrasting etc. Website that help with literacy are Word, Cornell Note-taking Forms, Inspriation and Kidspiration (Smith & Throne, 2002).  In ways that the students see best for them. ASCD (2011) list sites that allows students to work on areas of concern for them like Khan academy and the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives to help them with math. Additionally, ASCD (2011) mention that blogs are good for teachers to use in because some students lack web skills, so they can participate in discussions without the need for online skills. There are many resources out there for teachers to utilize in differentiating instruction and products, you just have to ensure that it enhances the learning experience and is appropriate for your students. 

ASCD (2011). Using technology to differentiate instruction. Retrieved from https://pdo.ascd.org/lmscourses/PD11OC109/media/Tech_M4_Reading_Using_Technology01.pdf

Smith, G. E., & Throne, S. (2002). Differentiating instruction with technology in k-5 classrooms. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/images/excerpts/diffk5-excerpt.pdf

Smith, G. E., & Throne, S. (2009). Differentiating Instruction with Technology in Middle School Classrooms. Eugene, Or: International Society for Technology in Education [ISTE]. Retrieved from https://login.ezproxy.oneonta.edu:2443/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=476090&site=ehost-live