1. Differentiated
Instruction and
Technology In
Education
By: Millie Burch
July 2012

2. What is differentiated instruction?
“Differentiated instruction is an instructional theory that
allows teachers to face this challenge by taking diverse
student factors into account when planning and delivering
instruction. Based on this theory, teachers can structure
learning environments that address the variety of learning
styles, interests, and abilities found within a classroom.”
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/subject/di_me
eting.phtml

3. In order to differentiate you
have to plan for it. This
means knowing your students
and what they can and can’t
do.
http://www.slideshare.net/Renegarmath/differentiating-
with-technology

4. 10 Reasons To Use Technology in
Education
The below information was taken from Technology in Education - Why
http://www.the21stcenturyteacher.com/member-articles/on-education/50-technology-in-education-why
 1. Expansion of time and place: On-line material is far more
available than the teacher. Information technology allows learning
anywhere, anytime; not just in one particular classroom for forty
minutes a day.
 2. Learning vs. Teaching: Technology allows the tables to be
turned. Instead of teaching (push), students can be given projects
that require them to learn (pull) the necessary material
themselves. This allows the students to get the information they
need any time anywhere, without being in the physical presence of
a teacher. This pull approach makes learning far more interesting
for students.
 3. New media for self-expression: In the old days when
students wrote in a notebook it was only viewed by the teacher.
Today, students can use flip-cameras, PowerPoint Presentations, do
Claymation's, make a website or blog to publish work on and get
feedback from peers.

5. 10 Reasons To Use Technology in Education
Continued….
 4. Collaboration: A vital skill in the new digital world is the ability to
work collaboratively on projects with others who may not be physically
close. This can best be done when using modern computer tools such as
the web, email. Blogs, Google Documents, Edmodo, etc… Rather than
laboring alone on homework students can work in small groups from
their own houses. Many colleges do this and students need to be ready
for it.
 5. Going Global: The internet permits free video conferencing which
permits interaction in real time with sister schools in other countries.
What could be more important than understanding other cultures
through direct dialog and collaboration?
 6. Individual pacing and sequence: We know that students are all
different. Information technology can permit them to break step with the
class and go at a pace and order that suits that student better. Without
disrupting the class, they can repeat difficult lessons and explore what
they find interesting. With time, it will become more like having a private
tutor rather than being lost in a HUGE class.
 7. Weight: Carrying home 3 textbooks and 3 binders is way too heavy
for anyone. A laptop computer weighs less than the books and it
provides infinitely more material via its own storage and the Internet. A
40Gb hard drive can hold 2 million pages with illustrations.

6. 10 Reasons To Use Technology in Education
Continued…
 8. Personal Productivity: Students need productive tools for
the same reasons adults do. They need to write, read,
communicate, organize and schedule. Students need these
tools that adults use too. Portable personal computers will make
a student’s life more effective. Schools need to go paperless.
 9. Lower Cost: Most textbooks cost about $120 at a
community college. Today a decent laptop can be bought for
$399, the price of a few textbooks.
 10. It’s fun: Integrating technology into education is a fun way
for students to learn.

7. Ways to Use Technology for a
more Differentiated
Classroom: Web 2.0 Tools
 Blogs
 Wikis
 Podcasts
 WebQuests
 Online Tools
 Social Networks
http://www.slideshare.net/twaterman/differentiation-and-
technology

8. Technology can be used to save time
and to differentiate instruction in the
classroom.

9. Teachers Must Understand
Technology
Teachers must understand how to implement technology
into their lessons. They must attend staff developments to
become efficient with technology
“There can be infinite uses of computer and of new age
technology, but if the teachers themselves are not able to
bring it into the classroom and make it work , then it fails.”
Nancy Kassebaum, US Senator
http://www.slideshare.net/tonyvincent/education-
technology-quotes

10. Reference List:
 Technology in Education-Why?
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/subject/di_meeting
.phtml
 http://www.the21stcenturyteacher.com/member-articles/on-
education/50-technology-in-education-why
 http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/subject/di_meeting
.phtml
 http://www.slideshare.net/Renegarmath/differentiating-with-
technology
 http://www.slideshare.net/twaterman/differentiation-and-
technology
 http://www.slideshare.net/tonyvincent/education-technology-
quotes