Assessing Technology-Based Resources for Differentiation

Assessing Technology-Based Resources for Differentiation

by Maxine Nicholson

Grand Canyon University: EDU- 551 March 15, 2023

Technology has to a great extent, replaced many chalkboards and has been integrated to improve the classroom learning experience. Technology in the classroom enhances participation using tools and programs to accommodate different learning styles and students from diverse backgrounds (Walden University, n.d). Three current technologies that can be used to appropriately support differentiated instruction and enrich student learning styles are Nearpod, Accelerated Reader (AR), and i-Ready.

Description:

Nearpod is an interactive digital tool that incorporates 21st century skills that can be used by classroom teachers to enhance student engagement in various curricula via interactive teacher created lessons. Accelerated Reader (AR) is a product of Renaissance, an online software company that provides unlimited free access to thousands of digital books. It is a supplementary reading program that provides feedback to teachers and students based on quizzes about books read by students. It helps to motivate, track, and manage students’ independent reading practice and accelerate their learning (U.S. Department of Education, n.d.). I-Ready is another online learning program designed to accelerate learning for students regardless of their backgrounds and help teachers determine and address their students’ needs, personalize their learning and monitor their progress throughout the school year.

Readiness, Interest, and Learning Styles

I-Ready and AR both have diagnostic components and are administered three times annually providing data teachers can use to monitor students’ progress. AR’s Star diagnostic test determines students’ reading levels. Personalized goals are created based on reading levels, and students can then select and read books that are of interest to them in class or any other location. After reading, students take a short quiz as they work towards their goal. I-Ready’s personalized instruction component provides reading and math lessons(and games) based on skills students need to develop and allow students to work at their own pace (I-Ready, n.d). Nearpod aligns to a cross section of subjects including Science and Social Studies. It enables students to engage in interactive lessons that include activities such as draw it, open ended, multiple choice, fill in the blank, and matching questions, complete quizzes, polls, collaborate, and participate in virtual field trips. It also allows teachers to create and share lessons, collaborate more efficiently, and share best practices and resources (Nearpod, n.d.).

Readiness, Interests, and Learning Styles All three programs enhance students’ learning experiences. Nearpod and I-Ready provide multiple means of engagement and activities that are scaffolded to meet the diverse needs of students, while AR makes available books at various genres, levels of difficulty and interests. They generate data reports that give insight to teachers regarding students’ progress, and those who require extra support, so they can set new goals and modify lessons to address students’ needs. (AR and i-Ready data can be used as predictors to how students will perform in state summative tests). The programs have to be purchased (although Nearpod has a free, basic Silver plan) and can be quite costly with prices ranging from $120 (Nearpod) to over $10,000 for the others based on the size of the school and features required.

Appropriate Instructional Strategies The Nearpod and I-Ready content is organized to support whole group, small groups, centers, independent and differentiated work. Embedded media (slides, pdfs, videos, etc.) and activities appeal to students various learning styles and teachers can choose different formats to present their lesson, whether live participation or student paced with differentiated instruction. Teachers can also use real time formative assessments to determine student comprehension and allow collaboration. Read alouds can be done daily using AR, and from a variety of genres and subjects to challenge students and expose them to experiences while developing their reading skills. The assessment features of the programs are ideal for providing feedback that help teachers to further modify their instructional practices to meet the needs of their students.

Technology Enriched Learning Experience The I-Ready and AR programs engage students at different levels and provide support that is scaffolded based on their needs. The diagnostic data helps teachers to make informed instructional decisions which promote student initiative in skill building as they work towards achieving their learning goals. Students learn to work towards mastering lessons in their personal learning pathways in i-Ready, and enhance their reading behaviors by completing short book quizzes after reading for AR. Students love to earn points and see their grade levels improve so they engage more, are motivated to invest time in learning both at school and home, log their progress, establish new goals, and experience more positive learning outcomes.

References

• i-Ready. (n.d.). Ready Central Resources: What is I-ready? https://i-readycentral.com/familycenter/what-is-i-ready/

• Nearpod. (n.d.). How nearpod works. Nearpod. https://nearpod.com/how-nearpod-works
• i-Ready. (n.d.). Ready Central Resources: What is I-ready? https://i-readycentral.com/familycenter/what-is-i-ready/
• U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). What Works Clearinghouse - Institute of Education Sciences. https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Docs/InterventionReports/wwc_accelreader_101408.pdf
• Walden University. (n.d.). Top 5 benefits of technology in the classroom. https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/education/resource/top-five-benefits-of-technology-in-the-classroom