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Web-based Tools for Differentiated Instruction |
Differentiate Learning Process
Web-based tools can be useful when differentiating the learning process for students. Teachers can use web-based tools to help them "set up" assignments for students--using them to create personal agendas, multiple sets of instructions, and to provide more individualized scaffolding. Teachers can also put technology tools in the hands of students to facilitate their learning and make it more efficient, engaging, and effective. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started and illustrate these ideas.
Vary the amount of scaffolding available tostudents when creating and customizing assignments
- Consider presenting assignments in digital text (using Word, or an online tool) with embedded links to dictionaries and helpful resources such as Bartleby http://www.bartleby.com/
- Provide students with more extensive directions or the option to use the version of instructions right for them. Record various versions of the same set of instructions and provide them via a class website, iPod, or embedded in a file in Word, PowerPoint, etc.
- Provide students with calendars and instruction prompts using a tool like Assign-A- Day http://assignaday.4teachers.org/
- Using Graphic Organizers for Differentiated Instruction http://rtecexchange.edgateway.net/cs/rtecp/view/rtec_topics/44
- ReadingQuest Graphic Organizers http://www.readingquest.org/strat/graphic.html
- NCREL and Learning Point Resources http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/learning/lr1grorg.htm
- Education Oasis http://www.educationoasis.com/curriculum/graphic_organizers.htm
Allow students to use concept maps Concept maps can be a useful preassessment OR they might be generated as part of the learning process. Used as formative assessment, these graphic tools can help a teacher better direct students to appropriate "next steps" in the learning process. Here are just a few resources:
- Fifty uses of concept maps http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/conceptmap/50uses.html
- Inspiration http://www.inspiration.com
Provide students access to various types of search engines. Recognize that not all students work best with a "linear" engine. In some cases search "clouds" will help students understand a concept better while they search. These tools also break down a search by sub-section and types of website (.org, .com, .edu) Also consider scaffolding students' ability to search with some "targeted" reading.
- Some nonlinear search engines include Mooter http://www.mooter.com and Clusty http://www.clusty.com
- A great reading on how to improve your ability to search http://webquest.sdsu.edu/searching/sevensteps.html
- Noodle Tools http://www.noodletools.com/tools.html
- NoteStar http://notestar.4teachers.org/
- Think Tank http://thinktank.4teachers.org/
- Slideshare http://www.slideshare.net
- Online Blogs like Blogger https://www.blogger.com/start?hl=en
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Special modifications and tools are often required for special learners. Here are some good places to supplement your knowledge of appropriate tools and strategies for supporting special needs learners.
- CAST http://www.cast.org/
- Virtual Lab http://www.seed.slb.com/en/scictr/lab/index_virtual.htm
- Stange Matter http://www.strangematterexhibit.com/
- UVA Virtual Lab http://virlab.virginia.edu/VL/home.htm
- Virtual Frog Dissection http://www.froguts.com/flash_content/index.html
Consider multimedia learning experiences