Thing 5 - Differentiated Instruction and Diverse Learning

1.       Elements of Differentiated Instruction in the classroom (library media center)

Objectives of lessons are goal oriented and written as such

Access to content is varied and includes: oral delivery, self-guided searching, written reporting and oral reporting of information obtained. Process includes flexible grouping of students that can be changed as needed and set-up as task/assignments are presented. Classroom management is key. Goals/Rules are discussed, posted, and reminded when necessary. Pre-assessment, on-going assessment, and conclusion of the lesson assessment are planned with flexibility.

2.       I chose Digital Text or more specifically E-books as a spotlight from Using Technology to Support Diverse Learners-  http://www.wested.org/cs/tdl/view/lib/2807. So many elements exist within an e-book that are not available in a print copy. The text can be enlarged, sections or words can be highlighted, notes can be taken, text to speech can be implemented and the in the case of libraries, books can be returned and not lost. A dyslexic student may be instructed to use many of these aids to determine what combination may be best for them. Touch screen would be an added bonus for such a student. The differentiation opportunities are abundant with this technology.

3.       It took some digging but I found a small treasure. At http://udlstrategies.wikispaces.com/, I search Authors and found nothing, I searched Reading and Literacy and found a pdf of storybooks read- aloud sites except the sites weren’t listed…so I Googled…found a great resource of read aloud published storybooks and listened to Joseph had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback. Great resource for sharing a storybook with a class. http://pbskids.org/lions/stories/

4.       I chose VozMe to create a text to speech rhyme. It was fun but not that great. Inflection was not what it should have been. Perhaps this would be a good example for how not to read aloud. I do see a use for this with sight-impaired students but I don’t think it is good enough yet.