Week 6 - Essential Question

What does it mean to differentiate the process (content, strategies for instruction) in the classroom?

To differentiate the process, very simply means to use the rich technology resources we have at the ready that will easily help us to give students choice, independence, motivation, the ability to exert some control over their learning, and to spark new interest.  For the first time in the history of education, we have the opportunity and the ability to easily personalize the learning experience for our students like never before.  The ability to deliver this (differentiating content) naturally leads to new strategies.  In my opinion, I think that due to the ease of differentiating and personalizing content, we as teachers have far more time available to us to use better strategies in our classrooms.

At this point, I'll take some good advice and channel my ASTE 2013 experiences to partly answer this question.  The theme at ASTE this year was "Mobile Me, Mobile You, Mobile Us".  Naturally, there was much emphasis on how the proliferation of mobile devices in our schools is playing out in our pedagogy.  And naturally, with the governor's new 1:1 iPad initiative on the horizon, those who have not yet seriously considered mobile devices and iPads are definitely taking them quite seriously now.

I learned how Nome schools are using the iPads in their elementary school to build reading speed and fluency by using simple tools such as iTalk and the timer.  This is such a simple use of a technology tool, but it helps students to personalize their learning, self-assess their learning, and become more independent in their pursuit of their goals. The teachers used the technology and implemented some very simple strategies to make it an engaging and meaningful activity for their students.

I learned about how some fantastic Alaska-themed apps are already built, and more are being developed, that support and teach Alaska Native languages within language arts - what a great way to engage interest and support local cultures as part of the learning process! This can capture interest, and the app itself allows students to explore the language at their own pace.

I learned more about how the new State Standards directly address technology, and it's integration into language arts and math specifically.  Many districts are already doing innovative projects such as developing new reading and publishing performance tasks, as well as developing some really great math and physics units that incorporate technology in ways that bring the subjects to life.

I learned about how the Consortium for Digital Learning is doing some very forward thinking, and is publishing lots of materials (and more to come) that address the management of 1:1 and also offer a guidebook full of ideas for proven successful best practices in a 1:1 setting. A great road map that helps teachers look realistically at best practices for differentiating process and content.

It was great to hear all of these ideas and support for 1:1 and for our shift to mobile learning.  It was also exciting to hear the enthusiasm from districts, schools, and teachers who, although new to this, have taken the leap and are excited about their progress and results.