1. What new forms of instruction are emerging in K-12 classrooms?
A current trend in education appears to be the integration of technology for instructional purposes. One such technological advancement is the inclusion of the iPod Touch in the classroom. This technology hosts a vast array of applications in diverse subject areas that can be used across grade levels. There are many ways in which the iPod Touch can be integrated to customize the learning experience for all (Banister, 2010).
Laptop computers are also being used more in the classroom. Educators are not merely using laptops as a means to plan and deliver instruction, rather as tools for authentic learning where students use the computers during lessons (Kemker, Barron & Harmes, 2007). There are several web-based programs, such as Education City, Study Island, and Compass Learning, to promote achievement in diverse disciplines.
2. What do we know about what makes good instruction?
Good instruction includes identifying the relevance of the material being learned. This helps students understand the need for the information and become more motivated in the process. Instruction should be student-centered and include incorporating meaningful activities that are relevant in the real world (Kemker et al., 2007).
Another effective instructional practice is differentiating. This method affords the opportunity to modify instruction, activities, and projects based on a host of factors. Some elements to be considered include student needs, multiple intelligences, and preferred learning styles. Using this approach to instruction fosters the implementation of higher-order thinking skills (Bailey & Williams-Black, 2008).
An additional component of effective teach...
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... the Schools. 27(2), 121-131.
Bas, G. (2010). Effects of multiple intelligences instruction strategy on students’ achievement levels and attitudes towards English lesson. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 5(3), 167-180.
Kemker, K., Barron, A.E., & Harmes, J. (2007). Laptop computers in the elementary classroom: Authentic instruction with at-risk students. Educational Media International 44(4), 305-321.
Lawrence-Brown, D. (2004). Differentiated instruction: Inclusive strategies for standards-based learning that benefit the whole class. American Secondary Education, 32(3), 34-62.
Moon, T.R. (2005). The role of assessment in differentiation. Theory into Practice, 44(3), 226-233.
Stiggins, R., Arter, J., Chappuis, J., & Chappuis, S. (2006). Classroom assessment for student learning: Doing it right – using it well. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Cloran (n.d.) suggest teachers need to have a broad understanding of giftedness and learning disabilities, a variety of identification measures and the ability to modify the curriculum and implement differentiated teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of all students. A graduate teacher recognises that students learn in their own way and should understand and be able to identify a number of teaching strategies to differentiate and meet the learning needs of all students. They may create groups based on previous assessment results and set clear or modified instructions for each group based on ability or learning styles. To address the specific learning needs of all student abilities, multi-sensory strategies using charts, diagrams, outside lessons and videos, as well as posters around the room or information on the desk could be used. Tomlinson (1999) suggests that differentiated instruction aims to build on student’s strengths and maximize their learning by adjusting instructional tasks to suit their individual needs. Ensuring teaching and instructions are clear, revising and prompting students during lessons and providing templates and assisting student in breaking down tasks into achievable, systematic chunks are some additional examples. Lucas, (2008) suggests highlighting key vocabulary within the text to focus students on the central concepts within the text. Quick finishing students should be provided with the opportunity to extend themselves with extension tasks that have a specific purpose and
It is very hard not to realize that technology has overpowered education in many ways. “Technology integration is similar to a tidal wave, growing silently in strength, then falling with an unstoppable roar upon those who paid no attention or showed little interest” (Guhlin, 40). Nowadays, computers are almost considered a necessity in the classroom, and are the main component of technology integration. Computers are being used in more numerous ways, besides only being used for basic word processing. With a simple computer, copious availabilities of technologies can be used in the classroom. “The one thing that is so great about the computer is that it does give a lot of instruction--and you don't need to have hearing to take advantage of it” (Anderson, 12). It’s amazing how one simple screen can provide everlasting opportunity for learning.
(1) Reflect on what you think might be some of the characteristics of the differentiated classroom based on your reading thus far. Tomlinson lists eight principles that guide differentiated instruction (Chapter 2: 1999). To what extent is each of these principles reflected in your classroom? Look at the brief profiles of Lin, Rafael, Serena, Trevor, Lesley, Danny, and Theo (Chapter 2; 2001). Who do they remind you of in your school or classroom?
Mc Tighe, J., & Brown, J. L. (2005). Differentiated instruction and educational standards; Is detente possible? Theory into Practice, 44(3), 234-244.
When teachers differentiate their lesson, the students are more engaged to learn. Students have some choice in their learning activities, which motivates students to want to learn and also puts more learning responsibility on the students. Some students may prefer to work alone or in groups and some students like to be hands-on. By differentiating the lesson, all students’ needs are being met. “Differentiated Instruction gives students a range of ways to access curriculum, instruction and assessment. DI engages students to interact and participate in the classroom in a richer way. It is based on the assumption that all students differ in their learning styles, strengths, needs and abilities and that classroom activities should be adapted to meet these differences
Anderson, K. M. (2007). Differentiating Instruction to include all Students. Tips for teaching , 49-54.
Therefore the teacher proactively plans a variety of ways to ‘get at’ and express learning” (Tomlinson, 2001, p. 3). Planning for a variety of teaching strategies does not mean giving more work to the smart children. Instead the teacher must assess who understands the material, who is struggling, who needs to be challenged and decide what or how to teach the students from there (Tomlinson, 2001). Differentiation should occur naturally and involve individual, class and group work to allow for the differences in all students and all subjects of study (Tomlinson, 2001). Probably the most important aspect of differentiation is the idea of challenging all learners at their level instead of giving extra work to those students whom learn the concepts quickly.
Today, if you enter an average elementary classroom you might find a computer cart with twenty or thirty lap tops, all with hook-up to the internet. The teacher usually has either a desk top or lap top computer, sometimes both, for keeping track of important information. Technology has, in many ways, positively impacted the educational field. Michigan has made using technology a necessity. With help from the Freedom to Learn Program, improvements in classroom technology, and special programs used to assist educators, teachers become familiar with the new technology.
The use of computers in school classrooms has evolved throughout the years, and has become revolutionary in changing the way we teach and learn. Our classrooms should no longer be confined to four walls and a few teachers who are considered to be experts in knowledge. Our classrooms need to keep up with a changing society and a new world that is dependent on technology. As students graduate, they need the technological skills needed to thrive in a world in which technology sets the pace. Society expects the school system to produce functional citizens who have the skills to gain profitable employment, and not be a drain on the system.
This standard requires a teacher to really understand his/her students especially through the ways they grow and develop. It is important for them to understand that every student is different and therefore, will learn in their own ways. The teacher then learns to meet the needs of all students specifically by creating learning experiences for all to comprehend. Differentiated instruction would be helpful in a classroom in order for the teacher to meet the needs of students who have differences when it comes to interests, readiness and learning needs.
The development of technology in this country has been significant to the daily lives of Americans today. In the twenty-first century, one of the greatest accomplishments of technology is the use of laptops. People, such as students, are facing the fact that laptops have made their lives easier. Some colleges and universities have allowed that each student bring their personal laptops with internet connectivity to class while others believe they easily weaken the learning abilities of students instead of promoting and increasing learning in the classroom. Although personal laptops in the classroom have numerous advantages, there have also been frequent complaints from professors because laptops hinder with learning, and as a result should be banned from bringing them into the classroom since laptops can easily distract students, not every student can afford purchasing a laptop, and would prevent students from cheating or plagiarizing.
Stiggins, R., Arter, J., Chappuis, J., Chappuis, S., (2007). Classroom assessment for student learning: Doing it right -- using it well. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson.
Laptops in school are a bad idea because they would provide students with a constant source of distraction. Matt Richtel is the winner of “Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting” for his article in The New York Times. Mr. Richtel wrote“[Laptop] computers and cellphones, and the constant stream of stimuli they offer, pose a profound new challenge to focusing and learning” (Richtel). Students will stray away from their schoolwork and waste time on less important distractions like social networking and media such as Twitter and YouTube. There is a clear relationship between laptop use in class and a lower overall course performance (CanWest News Service). It is apparent now that laptops put students at a disadvantage, and that textbooks would be the better learning tool. Carrie Fried, a very well respected researcher at Winona State University stated in an interview“[Laptops] clearly did interfere with students learning the material, and it was clearly a distraction for everyone around them” (Fried). Laptops may bring exciting new technology to the classroom, but this will only be at the cost of students’ focus in class, which draws away from their initial purpose¬¬¬...
Andy Carvin states “ internet access in schools isn’t worth a hill of beans if teachers aren’t prepared to take full advantage of technology” (2000). Schools spend a lot of money on computer hardware and software as well as other technologies without realizing that many of their employees are unprepared to include them in their teaching and use them to their advantages. Educators often use technology as a classroom management tool rather than an educational one, allowing computer time as a reward for good behavior (Clark & Gorski, 2001). The problem with this is that students learn to use the computer for games and such because it is their reward instead of using it on their own time for educational purposes. This is teaching them the wrong idea. Margaret Honey, director of the Center for Children and Technology in NYC said it best, “The bottom line is, you don’t just put technology into schools or into homes and expect miracles to happen. The technology is only as good as the program that surrounds it” (Meyer, 2002, p.2).
Computers have always been useful, but not until recently have computers become useful for children who are twelve and under. Of course these children enjoy playing games and talking to there friends on the computer but due to new innovations coming out everyday children can now do a lot more then just play and socialize. Computers have brought school to the home. When children come home from school it used to mean school was over but today if you have access to the internet school is know longer over but just beginning on the internet. The internet has special educational sites that children can visit and learn from. Besides that children actually can have contact with there personal teacher from school. A new invention called the “Mobile Author can be used by human instructors either from a computer or a mobile phone to create their own Intelligent Tutoring Systems and to distribute them to their students. Students can also use any computer or mobile phone to have access to theory and tests.” (Source 2, Journal) Homework, notes, review assignments can now be given over the internet by the child’s teacher from there school. “Instructors can monitor their students; progress and communicate with their students during the course.” (Source 2, Journal) Children can learn new information on the internet and they are able to review and get extra help on things they don’t understand. If a child realizes that they do not understand something when they get home, they know longer have to wait to go in to school for extra help, but they now can communicate with there teacher online or they can go to an internet tutoring system which will give them just as much help as being in a regular classroom.