Differentiation in the Distance Learning Classroom
Cecelia "Christy" Norton
TEC 541
What is Differentiation?
When you differentiate instruction you plan and implement diverse ways the students will be learning, how they will learn it, and how they will show what they have learned (Milman, 2021). Differentiation provides students with different opportunities and strategies to demonstrate what they have learned. Teachers can differentiate learning by varying the content, process, or product.
Applications for Differentiation through Technology
Flip
Flip (previously known as Flipgrid) is a free discussion application that students can use to respond to a topic or question posted by the teacher (Loveless, 2023). Students can upload a short audio, video, or text message in response to their teachers and classmates. Students can respond in the way they feel most confident.
Rewordify is an online tool that helps students to better understand what they are reading (Rewodify.com, n.d.). Students who have difficulty comprehending what they read can use this website to simplify the text. This website can be used to teach words and improve learning outcomes.
Wizer is a digital worksheet creator that allows teachers to make interactive assessments (Top Edtech Tools for Digital Differentiation - K-20 Blog, n.d.). Teachers can record audio instructions as well as text instructions. The questions can be differentiated to include multiple choice, video, and drawing.
Students with accommodations and modifications
Students with accommodations and modifications can be assisted in a small group through breakout rooms when the class is grouped homogenously (The Learning Accelerator, 2020). For asynchronous assignments consider giving students with accommodations and modifications abbreviated assignments.
ELL Students
For English Language Learners provide them with a peer buddy during breakout rooms. They can also be given abbreviated assignments, and the teacher may want to record their directions and instructions for asynchrnous learning.
Gifted Students
Gifted students can be given similar, but more difficult assignments. For example, if students are working on simplifying fractions, gifted students may be given more difficult fractions to simplify.
early finishers
Provide early finishers with a Blooket or Quizizz that they can complete on the same content that is being studied. This is a great way for teachers to ensure that they understand what they are learning and aren't just rushing through an assignment.
References
Dani, V. (2023). 9 Trends in Education Technology That Will Have A Major Impact in 2023. Kitaboo. https://kitaboo.com/trends-in-education-technology/
Lexia Learning Systems. (n.d.). Four Emerging Trends in Educational Technology in 2023. https://www.lexialearning.com/blog/four-emerging-trends-in-educational-technology-in-2023
Loveless, B. (2023). 35 of the BEST Educational Apps for Teachers (Updated 2023). Education Corner. https://www.educationcorner.com/35-incredible-classroom-apps/
Milman, N. B. (2021). Differentiating Instruction in Online Environments. Distance Learning, 18(4), 73–76.
Rewordify.com | Understand what you read. (n.d.). https://rewordify.com/
The Learning Accelerator. (2020, June 9). Today’s One Thing for Teachers: Differentiating Instruction in a Virtual Setting. Resources & Guidance From the Learning Accelerator. https://practices.learningaccelerator.org/insights/todays-one-thing-for-teachers-differentiating-instruction-in-a-virtual-setting/