Using Technology to Adapt Instruction in a Diverse Learning Environment

1
Using Technology to Adapt Instruction in a
Diverse Learning Environment

• Patti Linden
• Kim McCann-Roller
• June 30, 2005
• NECC Philadelphia, PA

2
Classroom in 2005

• Pedro a recent immigrant
• Joey extremely curious and creative
• Emily shy and reluctant
• Jeff interested in aviation and science
• Amy writes for the school newspaper
• John has slight visual impairment

3
Classroom Environment

• Affected by
• Individuals ability to encode information
• Teaching tailored to student needs
• Materials and tasks of varied levels
• Individual student perception of success

4
Considerations for Teaching Strategies

• Differentiated Instruction
• Learning Styles
• Multiple Intelligences
• Resources for addressing all needs

5
Differentiated Instruction

• Carol Tomlinson, 2001
• Giving students multiple options to acquire
  content, process ideas, and demonstrate
  understanding.

6
Learning Style Theory

• How you THINK affects how you learn, and how you
  LEARN affects how you think.
• No one style is preferable to or better than
  others.

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Perception Abilities

• How you grasp or receive information

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Ordering Abilities

• How you organize or express information

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Concrete Sequential Learners

• Prefer direct hands-on experience
• Desire perfection
• Choose to be habitual, punctual and organized

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Concrete Sequential Learners
Work preferences

• Outlines, Charts
• Demonstrations
• Memory Games
• Drill Practice

• Hands-on-Work
• Doing Timelines
• Field Trips
• Information Search

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What is Hard for a CS Learner?

• Working in groups
• Working in an unorganized environment
• Dealing with abstract ideas
• Demands to use your imagination

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Reading Extension Activities

• For the Concrete Sequential
• Make a Venn Diagram to show likeness and
  differences between two stories in the same
  series
• Use the computer to research a topic related to
  your story

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Abstract Random Learners

• Use intuition
• Prefer unstructured environments
• Group discussions
• Activities

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Abstract Random Learners
Work Preferences

• Movies
• Group Discussions
• Music AV
• Visual Thinking

• Interpretive Writing or Drawing
• Allow Creative Approach
• Webbing

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What is Hard for an AR Learner?

• Competing
• Working in a restricted environment
• Concentrating on one thing at a time
• Giving exact details

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Reading Extension Activities

• For the Abstract Random
• Illustrate a mini book showing at least 5 parts
  of the story
• Fill out How Well Do You Know Your Characters?
  page

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Abstract Sequential Learners

• Excellent abilities with written, verbal and
  image symbols.
• Prefer sequential presentations that are rational
  and substantive.

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Abstract Sequential Learners

• Work Preferences

• Research Written Reports
• Analysis

• Audio Tapes
• Text Reference
• Topic Outlines

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What is Hard for an AS Learner?

• Too little time to deal with a subject thoroughly
• Repeating the same tasks over and over
• Lots of specific rules and regulations

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Reading Extension Activities

• For the Abstract Sequential
• Write a letter to the author
• Make a Story Train telling what happened in the
  beginning, middle and end of the story

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Concrete Random Learners

• Like to experiment using trial-and-error
• Prefer working independently
• Are gamblers and risk takers
• Thrive in a competitive atmosphere

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Concrete Random Learners
Work Preferences

• Independent study (originality and creativity)
• Simulations and Games

• Brainstorming
• Problem Solving
• Graphic Presentation
• Webbing

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What is Hard for a CR Learner?

• Creating formal reports
• Keeping detailed records
• Having no options

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Reading Extension Activities

• For the Concrete Random
• Write a different ending for the book
• Create your own extension activity

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Multiple Intelligences

• Using Technology Tools

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Word Smart

• Web development tools
• Word processing
• Using comments in word processing
• Desktop publishing
• Desktop presentation
• Video recording
• Reading and interpreting web information

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Number Smart

• Organizational tools
• Calculation tools
• Scientific equipment
• Science and math software
• Desktop presentation
• Online data collection
• Webquests
• Strategy, logic, and critical thinking software

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Picture Smart

• Animation software
• Draw programs
• Paint programs
• Timeline making
• Desktop publishing
• Desktop presentation
• Concept mapping tools

• Computer generated charts
• Spreadsheets
• Videoconferencing
• Scanner
• Digital camera

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Music Smart

• Sound and music files
• Music composition software
• Animation
• Interactive books
• Audio notation in word processors

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Body Smart

• Scientific probes and microscopes
• Video production
• Animation
• Claymation
• Handheld Palms and AlphaSmarts
• Virtual field trips
• Lego Logo and Robotics
• Digital still and video cameras

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Self Smart

• Concept maps
• Internet research self-paced
• Word processing
• Video projects
• Multimedia portfolios

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Social Smart

• Email projects
• Word processing
• Video and teleconferencing
• Group decisions software
• Webquests
• Group presentations
• Telecommunications projects

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Nature Smart

• Audio and video cameras
• Digital cameras
• Word processing
• Data organization and calculation
• Desktop presentations
• Microscopes and probes

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Todays Classroom
Differentiated Instruction
Learning Styles
NCLB
Multiple Intelligences
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Supporting Differentiation

• Technology Resources for Classroom Supports

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Text Tools

• Word Processor
• Assist with Writing Process
• Create charts and tables
• Summarize and take notes
• Reinforce grammar and spelling
• Change color / Highlight important information
• Write comments from / to teacher

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Graphic Organizers

• Organize ideas
• Increase recall
• Combine pictures and text
• Create storyboard projects
• Allow color coding
• Rearrange ideas
• Read aloud
• Evaluate understanding
• Outline

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Software for Graphic Organizers

• Inspiration
• Kidspiration
• Kid Pix

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Talking Text

• Software with speaking capability
• Tools, buttons and menu selections
• Purposes
• ESL students
• Below reading level
• Below writing level

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Math Tools

• Millies Math House
• Geometers Sketchpad
• Math Class Tools by Apex Learning
• Odyssey by Compass Learning

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Spreadsheets

• Organize data
• Create Charts and Graphs
• Manipulate Data
• Regenerate charts and graphs based on manipulated
  data

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Web Quest Activities
Abstract Random
Abstract Sequential
Cooperative Learning
Thinking Skills
Technology
Concrete Random
Concrete Sequential
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Simulation Tools

• Decisions Decisions
• PASCO Software
• Probe ware for Physics Classes

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Web Resources

• Locating Web Resources
• Google
• Marco Polo
• Webster.com
• American Memory Collection
• Answers.com
• Current news, real data, and relevant information
  that may not be available in the classroom

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Interactive Web Sites

• http//pbskids.org Simulation activities that
  can augment your curriculum
• http//interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/fun/map.a
  sp - Aerial Maps Global Positioning
  Longitude and Latitude
• http//www.eduplace.com/geonet/ US and World
  Geography lesson includes reading charts and maps
  to answer the questions.
• http//www.econedlink.org/lessons/nn335/activity.h
  tml Online stock market simulation

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• http//www.italladdsup.org Real world simulation
  geared to teach teens about credit and banking.
• http//illuminations.nctm.org/tools/index.aspx
  National Council of Teachers of Mathematics -
  simulation exercises related to math
• http//www.teacherlink.org/content/math/interactiv
  e/flash/kidsandcookies/kidcookie.php Augment
  fractions by selecting friends and dividing
  cookies.

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• http//standards.nctm.org/document/eexamples/chap4
  /4.2/index.htm Online interactive geoboards
• http//www.funderstanding.com/k12/coaster/ Build
  a roller coaster Gravity, friction, mass and
  speed can all be factored into the equation
• http//www.kidsbank.com/calculators/index.asp
  How long will it take you to save up for a car?
• http//www.prongo.com/farm/game.html Add up the
  price of sales at the Farm Stand

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• http//www.readwritethink.org/materials/timeline/i
  ndex.html - Make a timeline
• http//www.primarygames.com/contractions/start.htm
  - Identify Contractions
• http//pbskids.org/arthur/games/storyscramble/scra
  mble.html - Put a story in the correct order.
• http//dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/waterres/salmonch.htm
  - Save the Salmon

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• http//www.inventionatplay.org/playhouse_tinker.ht
  ml - Create Rube Goldberg type contraptions
• http//www.fossweb.com/ - Science grades K-6
• http//www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/ Math
  dictionary with interactive examples

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Sharing Web Resources

• Create hotlists
• www.backflip.com

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Interactive Electronic Tools for the Classroom

• Mimio
• Classroom Performance System
• Turning Points Interactive Power Point

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Conclusions

• Investment in Professional Development
• Exploring Software
• Technology Related Prep Time
• Technology Mentors
• Technology Tips
• Collaboration about classroom management

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Where Do I Start?

• Maintain modest goals
• Learn from and with your colleagues
• Ask for help
• Learn from and with your students

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• Technology Tools are imbedded into the learning
  process, not the focus of the learning.
• Choices Choices - Choices

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Thank you for attending!

• Patti Linden
• plinden_at_rtmsd.org
• Kim McCann-Roller
• kmccann_at_rtmsd.org

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Bibliography

• Learning Styles - Melba Taylor-
  http//www.br.ca.va.us/vccaa/illtay1.html
• Why Bother Learning about Learning Styles and
  Psychological Types? - Teresa Larkin-Hein Dan
  Budny - http//www.american.edu/academic.depts/ca
  s/physics/tlarkin/pdf_files/Session3280PEP.PDF
• Learning Styles http//www.algonquinc.on.ca/edte
  ch/gened/styles.html

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Bibliography

• Using Flexible Technology to Meet the Needs of
  Diverse Learners What Teachers Can Do, Lisa Wahl
  and Julie Duffield, WestEd RTEC, 2005
• Technology Tips for Diversified Instruction,
  Julie Duffield, WestEd RTEC, 2004