Differentiated instruction

When reading the module on differentiated instruction and the use of technology, the concept of multi-tasking comes to mind. The process of identifying the needs of learners in a large classroom is a complicated task, but technology can assist in identifying these needs in a more efficient way, for example with on-line survey like Survey Monkey or ProfilerPro. Planning instruction to attend to all of these different learning needs is also a huge task. I liked the idea that through on-line learning, many different assignments could be used, giving the learner choices in the best way to assimilate ideas. Technology can make this process more efficient, effective and engaging, the important 3 E’s and a great rubric for planning and evaluating teaching and learning.

I can see how a survey might be used to identify learner needs, while students could choose from different learning opportunities to provide feedback to themselves and others about the quality of their learning. A student might create a survey or a video, or even design a wiki site as a group project  to apply concepts, just a few of a whole host of other options that technology can offer. As a teacher, creating all these different options without the use of technology would be too cumbersome and time-consuming. Since the one-lesson- fits all has been shown to be ineffective, variety is crucial to the learner in this new technological era.

A challenge that needs to be addressed is the support required to maintain technology. Teachers need continuing education to keep up to date since technological developments are occurring so quickly. Just as one device is mastered, something new comes along. Motivation is also important in order to stay on top of things. I’m curious how many institutions have the ability to support both students and faculty in the use of technology to support differentiated instruction.