Video Discussion Thread: Differentiation through Technology

Teachers are tasked with effectively balancing a standards-based curriculum with students' individual needs. Some strategies that can be used for balancing standards and individual needs are differentiated instruction to meet the needs of individual students, formative assessments to help teachers regularly monitor students’ understanding and progress, and flexible grouping based on students’ understanding of the current topic or lesson. 

Several tools can be used for balancing standards and individual needs such as learning management systems (LMS) like Google Classroom or Canvas, educational software such as Khan Academy or IXL, and personalized learning systems, “or computer-based instructional and management programs, that (1) assess individual student learning needs using complex algorithms and collections of data across students and (2) provide a customized instructional experience matched to each student, often via software offered on mobile computing devices” (Hughes & Roblyer, 2023). 

“Students in primary and secondary education recognize technology incorporated into teaching as a standard practice, not a unique experience” (Eiland & Todd, 2019). Best practices for integrating technology into instruction include blended learning such as combining traditional learning with technology integration, interactive tools such as whiteboards and educational apps, and professional development for the teachers so they are constantly learning about new technologies. 

References: 

Eiland, L. S., & Todd, T. J. (2019). Considerations When Incorporating Technology Into Classroom and Experiential Teaching. The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics: JPPT, 24(4), 270-275. https://doi.org/10.5863/1551-6776-24.4.270

Hughes, J. E., & Roblyer, M. D. (2023). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (9th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780137544622

Video Discussion: Differentiation through Technology