References & Credits
Strategies : Differentiation  

Differentiation

Developmental level

The average secondary education student is between the ages of 11 and 18. These young people are rapidly changing both physically and mentally. Different maturity levels require a variety of instructional methods to ensure that all develop the skills they need. Technology instruction is generally introduced in grades 6-8 with the high school curriculum expanding and fine-tuning skills. Many online databases now offer different versions of the same program to accommodate all levels of students.

Special needs students

Technology often helps ‘level the playing field’ for students with special needs. Spell-check and grammar check components of word-processing programs assist those with limited writing skills. Students are able to record their teacher’s instructions or lectures for replay at a later time. Recorded books enable those with learning disabilities to better read and understand the text. Technologies such as these enable more students to learn in a regular classroom setting.

ESOL

Students who from birth have spoken another language do not learn at the same pace as English-speaking students. These children must learn to think and process information in an unfamiliar tongue requiring differentiated instruction to help them acquire the skills they need. Closed-caption television is one form of technology that has proven successful with this population.

Disabled students

In the past, students with severe disabilities required schooling in a separate facility. Today, technology has greatly improved their chances of receiving a quality education in a traditional setting. Screen readers help the visually-impaired by reading on-screen text for the student. Screen magnifiers have proven beneficial in assisting with homework or study skills. Assistive listening devices amplify the teacher’s voice for the hearing impaired. Other devices are available to assist in typing or other computer-based assignments. Technology has dramatically changed the lives of these students.

Grade level

Technology introduced or utilized in grades 6-12 is often driven by the curriculum as classes are grouped by subject with each discipline having individual needs. National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) provide guidance in determining which skills should be included in the middle grades and high school curriculums. These standards assist teachers in planning technology-based lessons that will provide a foundation for the students to build upon as they mature.

Teacher resources

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