We are living in a much different world than when I was in school back in the 80s. I lived in a very small town in south Mississippi where the word diversity was not accepted and only used by those “modern” northerners. Growing up in a home that did not encourage diversity made it extremely hard to gain an understanding of other cultures when I finally moved away and went to college. After completing college and starting my career, I began to understand diversity and see everyone as equal.
So what is different today? We are a more diverse society. Many diverse cultures live in our country and our children are exposed to a diverse curriculum in schools. The internet is also playing a big part in diversity and global awareness. Being connected provides teachers with ways to teach students different cultures of today and also how history played out with certain cultural actions. Google Earth is a prime example to explore the globe and help students to become aware of the differences in our world. “The National Science Education Standards recommend the use of computers for the collection, summary and display of evidence. Google Earth may be used to demonstrate visual images to mark locations and help students visualize certain aspects of a story. It can also provide supplemental information on historical, biographical or geographical references in a story and enhance cultural connections and understandings.” (Jenny, 2013) Providing computers and web 2.0 tools to students not only helps to enhance the realization of other cultures but it creates a differentiated classroom.
“Differentiated instruction (DI) is a way of looking at instruction that is centered on the belief that students learn in many different ways.” (Smith & Throne, 2009) I am a big believer in differentiated instruction after attending a conference on gender based learning at the Gurian Institute. All students learn in different ways and teachers must use different approaches to help students with different learning styles to learn the material. By using technology intertwined with project and challenge based learning a teacher can reach all learning styles. By just providing that un-prescribed ending to a project a teacher can see many different styles of learning reaching new heights in their abilities.
I’ve always believed that using blogs is an excellent way to incorporate ways for different learning styles to excel. Here are some of the things a blog can provide for students:
References
_________________________________________________
http://www.nssa.us/tech_journal/volume_1-2/vol1-2_article5.htm
Differentiating Instruction with Technology in Middle School Classrooms
Grace E. Smith and Stephanie Throne
http://gurianinstitute.com/
http://gurianinstitute.com/wordpress/using-blogs-as-online-e-portfolios/
So what is different today? We are a more diverse society. Many diverse cultures live in our country and our children are exposed to a diverse curriculum in schools. The internet is also playing a big part in diversity and global awareness. Being connected provides teachers with ways to teach students different cultures of today and also how history played out with certain cultural actions. Google Earth is a prime example to explore the globe and help students to become aware of the differences in our world. “The National Science Education Standards recommend the use of computers for the collection, summary and display of evidence. Google Earth may be used to demonstrate visual images to mark locations and help students visualize certain aspects of a story. It can also provide supplemental information on historical, biographical or geographical references in a story and enhance cultural connections and understandings.” (Jenny, 2013) Providing computers and web 2.0 tools to students not only helps to enhance the realization of other cultures but it creates a differentiated classroom.
“Differentiated instruction (DI) is a way of looking at instruction that is centered on the belief that students learn in many different ways.” (Smith & Throne, 2009) I am a big believer in differentiated instruction after attending a conference on gender based learning at the Gurian Institute. All students learn in different ways and teachers must use different approaches to help students with different learning styles to learn the material. By using technology intertwined with project and challenge based learning a teacher can reach all learning styles. By just providing that un-prescribed ending to a project a teacher can see many different styles of learning reaching new heights in their abilities.
I’ve always believed that using blogs is an excellent way to incorporate ways for different learning styles to excel. Here are some of the things a blog can provide for students:
- “Digital portfolios are easy to share – with parents, grandparents, faculty, other students. Easy to expand to wider audience, too, creating greater authenticity as the student shows the relevance of their work to the wider world.
- Gives an authentic writing audience. They see how they present themselves more clearly, helping to reduce editorial errors.
- Provides students with a voice and ability to assess how their writing and learning progresses over time. It is a powerful opportunity for reflection and an authentic description of the student’s work.
- Students learn to provide constructive feedback to others.
- Instills confidence in using yet another tool of technology. Learning tips and guidelines for on-line safety are incorporated.”
References
_________________________________________________
http://www.nssa.us/tech_journal/volume_1-2/vol1-2_article5.htm
Differentiating Instruction with Technology in Middle School Classrooms
Grace E. Smith and Stephanie Throne
http://gurianinstitute.com/
http://gurianinstitute.com/wordpress/using-blogs-as-online-e-portfolios/