Technology Necessary for Differentiation

Technology Enables True Differentiation

It was interesting to read Mary Ann Wolf's story about differentiating learning in her classroom for a student who couldn't read in the fifth grade.  She did everything she could to ensure that he would gain the skills necessary to be successful in sixth grade and beyond.  Wolf's final claim was that differentiating is almost impossible without the use of technology.  I completely agree with her.  Teachers have a lot on their plate with ensuring that all students' needs are met while maintaining a welcoming classroom climate and making sure students are meeting high-stake test requirements.  As educators, we need to make sure that we are meeting the needs of each and every student and the only logical way we can do this is with the aide of technology. 

I have a student in my seventh grade math class who has the learning capabilities of a first grader because of extenuating circumstances.  However, we have connected him with math and reading programs at his level through technology and he has made advances.  Now, can we make up numerous educational years in just one year? Probably not.  However, we can do all we can with technology and teaching strategies to make him as successful as possible.  

Additionally, I had a student come to my classroom in the middle of the year that spoke absolutely no English.  She was a native Spanish speaker, put in a seventh grade math classroom with no translator or additional resources.  I did all I could do with my resources and worked with the ESOL teacher, but it is ultimately the availability of the technology that has allowed her to be successful.  There are endless resources for teachers, students, and parents online that can help bridge the gaps and make learning relevant and meaningful for our students.