As a learning Intervention and Support teacher, my adventures in technology have already shown me just how powerful digital technology can be in enabling differentiated learning. This is where curriculum and learning experiences are modified and made specific to individuals learning needs. Step one of course is to know what these needs are – technology helps in the collation and storage/accessing diagnostic data immensely. Being able to call up student progress data on my iPhone from anywhere in my school enables just-in-time conversations to take place with teachers and aides – and is my own way of demo-ing the possibilities of mobile and ubiquitous computing at my site.

Now eSchool News is reporting on an International Society for Education and Technology webinar from last week that provided examples of how technology can provide this same kind of support – but directly with students.  From the article:

According to the presenters, teachers can differentiate four elements of instruction: content, process, product, and learning environment. They also can differentiate instruction based on student traits, such as readiness, learning profile, interest, and affect.

Finally, educators can differentiate instruction through a range of instructional and management strategies, including software, video streaming, and the web.

“Above all, DI should be used to promote 21st-century skills,” said Smith. “This includes digital-age literacy, inventive thinking, effective communication, and high productivity. A mastery of these skills will lead to student achievement.”

Head over HERE to read the full piece.