tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90435971306216082752024-02-02T11:14:18.101-05:00everythingDIGrace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-67102113010938320442011-05-24T23:34:00.000-04:002011-05-24T23:34:21.791-04:00ASCD's New Research a Topic Page for Differentiated InstructionASCD has just launched a new <a href="http://www.ascd.org/research-a-topic/differentiated-instruction-resources.aspx">Research a Topic page for Differentiated Instruction</a>. <br />
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If you’re not familiar with ASCD’s Research a Topic pages, these finding aids are designed to guide ASCD site visitors to the best resources on education-related topics and to put them in touch with fellow educators who share their interests. Each page contains a definition of the topic, a comprehensive list of ASCD material and professional development opportunities, and our picks for the best resources that exist beyond ASCD’s catalog.<br />
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We're pleased that our blog has been included in ASCD's Research A Topic page for Differentiated Instruction.Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-25427064162060651962011-05-22T23:50:00.001-04:002011-05-24T23:36:28.544-04:00Augmented Reality Technology and DI<strong>Augmented Reality Technology</strong> (AR) brings a new dimension to learning in the differentiated classroom. Augmented Reality technology combines virtual and real-world data using broadband and GPS tools with video and pattern recognition. Such technology appeals to visual, tactile, kinesthetic, and audio learners because all four modes are utilized.<br />
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You have already experienced AR yourself if you have seen the Haunted Mansion's Hitchhiking Ghosts or tried out the <a href="http://www.harrypotter3d.com/">Wizarding World of Harry Potter</a> map. You can also try AR out if you have a computer with a webcam. Visit the Getty Museum for an augmented reality of the <a href="http://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/north_pavilion/ar/index.html">Augsburg Display Cabinet</a> and be sure to read this <a href="http://www.edtechmag.com/k12/issues/february-march-2011/what-is-augmented-reality.html">EdTech </a>article to learn more about the benefits of AR in classrooms. Common Craft explains AR nicely in a new <a href="http://www.commoncraft.com/augmented-reality-video">video</a>!Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-89583068238233797492010-10-20T15:19:00.003-04:002010-10-20T15:24:55.957-04:00One Size Doesn't Fit All"One size doesn't fit all" is a popular slogan associated with differentiated instruction. The translation is that differentiated instruction helps all students learn by tailoring instruction to meet their abilities, needs, and interests.<br />
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Imagine our surprise when we learned that the expression "one size doesn't fit all" has now spilled over to additional venues. For example, the term now applies to the <a href="http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400904/abel-harding/2010-09-12/one-size-doesnt-fit-all">world of banking and economics</a> and in the context of nutrition at <a href="http://mypyramid.gov/">MyPyramid.gov</a>. The term is also used with <a href="http://www.compensationcafe.com/2010/08/one-size-doesnt-fit-all.html">compensation measures</a>, church leadership, dog breeding, and mobile platforms for marketing. We've seen the slogan in the pharmaceutical industry, and in politics.<br />
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We used the term ourselves during an ISTE Webinar we presented in early 2009. Meris Stansbury, Associate Editor at ESchool News expertly summed up what differentiating instruction means to educators. We hope you'll read <a href="http://www.eschoolnews.com/2009/02/02/technology-empowers-differentiated-instruction/">this article</a>.Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-29436457137280476362010-08-02T14:34:00.000-04:002010-08-02T14:34:28.579-04:00Project ReImagineLast summer, we spent a large amount of time in July and August serving as the principal writers of Oxford Community Schools' Project ReImagine proposal. In November of 2009, we were excited to find out that Oxford was chosen as one of 14 ReImagine Demonstration Districts in the state of Michigan!<br />
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Project ReImagine was born as a result of the Michigan Department of Education's (MDE) desire to challenge "the educational community to boldly and dramatically reimagine their systems to ensure all students learn and achieve at high levels."<br />
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For more information on Project ReImagine, see the following MDE <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-43092_52788---,00.html">link</a>:Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-59687092887009160882010-07-31T10:59:00.003-04:002010-07-31T11:14:41.116-04:00Tic-Tac-Toeing with Choice Boards in Any Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliOoSXL-S1Dx2gA30rvTOnXsVmRE3yhVDShygFg5C3khvNPri9Df9AHsWXXil3S1zFA27MS7bIwUZymH3WsgXkjeVNfZ7_H4gWEtZoUi7WQwvTIS_WXZuamXJeMhtI5SqNnaQNe3frRtm/s1600/ttt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliOoSXL-S1Dx2gA30rvTOnXsVmRE3yhVDShygFg5C3khvNPri9Df9AHsWXXil3S1zFA27MS7bIwUZymH3WsgXkjeVNfZ7_H4gWEtZoUi7WQwvTIS_WXZuamXJeMhtI5SqNnaQNe3frRtm/s200/ttt.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Want to ignite student interest in the your classroom?<br />
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Offer choice boards, also known as Bingo, Tic-Tac-Toe, or Think-Tac-Toe boards for product assignments. <br />
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The bottom line is that even though you, as teacher, create the choices, students feel empowered when they MAKE the choices.<br />
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Give this strategy a try and watch your students soar with excitement!<br />
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<a href="http://www.isteconnects.org/2009/12/04/tic-tac-toeing-with-choice-boards-in-any-classroom/">Read more and see an example at our ISTE Connects post</a>.Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-70605156567653272722010-06-25T18:49:00.000-04:002010-06-25T18:49:25.170-04:00Games Are Essential Classroom Tools<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjkqOIz0ssJ74SHIGWbr6kptH-F62kVFdof6cTXFvd1VMOoGjywYF_KRomf8iFIgTbfGAo8x-vmtD99wduAJvosQieaw5-NohBWsi5jBlodmB_Pf0yKmdwNcZtS1r7lOALWNUAsNwX_Xc/s1600/iste2010-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjkqOIz0ssJ74SHIGWbr6kptH-F62kVFdof6cTXFvd1VMOoGjywYF_KRomf8iFIgTbfGAo8x-vmtD99wduAJvosQieaw5-NohBWsi5jBlodmB_Pf0yKmdwNcZtS1r7lOALWNUAsNwX_Xc/s200/iste2010-logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>As designers/instructors of a graduate course in differentiating instruction + technology, we ask our students about the role of games in instruction.<br />
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We are frequently surprised at the responses, ranging from "I do not allow my students to play games" to "I use games everyday."<br />
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You may want to check out the article we wrote for the ISTE 2010 conference in Denver which speaks about games and game-like instruction: <a href="http://www.isteconnects.org/2010/03/26/games-are-essential-classroom-tools/">Games Are Essential Classroom Tools</a>.Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-13796013506540112952010-03-29T19:13:00.002-04:002010-03-29T19:15:36.525-04:00Gaming in the ClassroomOn Wednesday, March 31st, we will be conducting a webinar for BrainPOP Educators called "Classroom Games? Why not?" The webinar takes place at 4:30 PM Eastern time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVe_r5GKYDxwKlePIDMeQ8ERTvih1BF6TEyfVPO3lTGbMHrNiv0Mblx791u2ZGhvhMeJykgPwmnBs-V96STGvytRCXD9cmt77knxrUdybq__khiUVE-24Udnfm1AsiWQBW8qIIAb10X73/s1600/79438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><strike><img border="0" height="150" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVe_r5GKYDxwKlePIDMeQ8ERTvih1BF6TEyfVPO3lTGbMHrNiv0Mblx791u2ZGhvhMeJykgPwmnBs-V96STGvytRCXD9cmt77knxrUdybq__khiUVE-24Udnfm1AsiWQBW8qIIAb10X73/s200/79438.jpg" width="200" /></strike></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you follow this link, you'll see a description: </span><a href="http://s4.brainpop.com/educators/webinars/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://s4.brainpop.com/educators/webinars/</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Please join us! Register today!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can also read and comment on our recent post at <em>ISTE Connects</em> about gaming and its value in the classroom. Click <a href="http://www.isteconnects.org/2010/03/26/games-are-essential-classroom-tools/">here</a> to access.</span>Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-68907742607424886902010-01-07T11:57:00.002-05:002010-01-07T11:58:49.993-05:00Can Video Games Teach Kids?In our session today, "Play Is Important for Deep Learning" in the Webinar Series "<a href="http://www.michiganeducatorsplc.com/Past__Webinars.html">Listening for Understanding</a>," we talked about digital games for learning. <br />
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</div>We asked the broad question, "what if digital gaming IS the curriculum?" And we shared a resource that answers the question.<br />
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Check out <span style="color: red;"><strong><a href="http://www.q2l.org/">Quest to Learn</a></strong></span> (Q2L), the first-ever school we know of that builds its entire curriculum on games-based learning. Located in New York City, the school is "not a school whose curriculum is made up of the play of commercial videogames, but rather a school that uses the underlying design principles of games to create highly immersive, game-like learning experiences. Games and other forms of digital media serve another useful purpose at Quest: they serve to model the complexity and promise of “systems.” Understanding and accounting for this complexity is a fundamental literacy of the 21st century."<br />
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You can learn more about this exciting school via its website. By the way, Quest is recuiting teachers for the next school year! <br />
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You can tune in to future webinars in the series at <a href="http://www.michiganeducatorsplc.com/">http://www.michiganeducatorsplc.com/</a>Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-41292496364639355132009-12-01T09:36:00.000-05:002009-12-01T09:36:01.252-05:00MEMSPA 2009 Annual Conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXBkxgyIAiv93JMEAAsYJvR32fMj6Lpz0H2NIdTbUvF8xxvpQY1O5c4z7oCj5PHXOtPXW1V9N5BwUheaE3QG1mqN4nnjAt9TRebu26To1FHzfymvLPsVeoACBxre-PPQLxFKtrIWLxqP5/s1600/memspa.logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXBkxgyIAiv93JMEAAsYJvR32fMj6Lpz0H2NIdTbUvF8xxvpQY1O5c4z7oCj5PHXOtPXW1V9N5BwUheaE3QG1mqN4nnjAt9TRebu26To1FHzfymvLPsVeoACBxre-PPQLxFKtrIWLxqP5/s200/memspa.logo.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This Thursday, December 3rd, we will present at the MEMSPA (Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association) State Conference on "Using Tech to Differentiate by Interest in Middle School." <br />
</div>Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-59324432324483208892009-11-12T07:35:00.000-05:002009-11-12T21:10:28.697-05:00Technology, Differentiated Instruction, and the Middle School LearnerThe Michigan Department of Education, in conjunction with MACUL, asked if we would be willing to continue the conversation that we initiated with technology and curriculum directors via our keynote address on differentiating instruction + technology at the Michigan Technology and Curriculum Director Meeting, October 6. Today is the first of two webinars that we will be presenting as follow-ups to our conversation.<br /> <br /> <br />"EdTech Specialists is conducting a series of FREE Webinars entitled: “Listening for Understanding." With a “funding cliff” approaching Michigan schools, the time has come to listen to the ideas of others, brainstorm options that will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of student learning, and, as State Superintendent Mike Flanagan has stated: “ReImagine” education in Michigan. To jump start your conversations, EdTech Specialists has lined up an impressive group of individuals who will share their views, programs, strategies, and experiences that have helped to assist their districts and others with innovative options for delivering instruction."<br /> <br />Technology, Differentiated Instruction, and the Middle School Learner<br />Reserve your Webinar seat now at:<br /><a href="https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/165681217 ">https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/165681217 </a> <br /><br />Description:<br />Some educators believe that differentiated instruction belongs in the elementary classroom but is not appropriate or effective for middle school students. Dr. Grace Smith and Dr. Stephanie Throne, authors of the forthcoming text, Differentiating Instruction with Technology in Middle School Classrooms (and Differentiating Instruction with Technology in K-5 Classrooms), will share how differentiated instruction, powered by technology, can serve to reach the physical, emotional and social needs unique to the middle school learner. Drs. Smith and Throne will suggest a variety of different tech tools and strategies that educators can use to differentiate instruction in the middle school classroom and personalize learning for today’s diverse students.Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-80726257829528308832009-11-07T23:34:00.000-05:002009-11-07T23:40:51.437-05:00Forest Hills School DistrictYesterday, we spent some time with teachers from the Forest Hills School District in Ohio. We surprised them by participating in their professional development session in Elluminate entitled, "The Power of Two: Differentiated Instruction + Technology," which is a phrase from our first book!"Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-32167775353614972852009-10-07T14:57:00.000-04:002009-10-12T09:46:02.134-04:00Michigan Technology & Curriculum Director Meeting, October 6, 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i3fZRBoXA4UJFx_7ht3NB44Tefns6WpmMIecGWkPzcl0imo_TkQJilpfqoPVBxD_oiYDSQlFQ0-AxamnHr4fnW4raGYr_1Uy6i5vR8heTsByHlNP7BR2DsOewutOgzDLNiL1tSHW_1UZ/s1600-h/macul.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 101px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i3fZRBoXA4UJFx_7ht3NB44Tefns6WpmMIecGWkPzcl0imo_TkQJilpfqoPVBxD_oiYDSQlFQ0-AxamnHr4fnW4raGYr_1Uy6i5vR8heTsByHlNP7BR2DsOewutOgzDLNiL1tSHW_1UZ/s200/macul.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389938354566526898" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyE_A4oIIYdfXhPWuPJ5hKylGRZPVLlgnVU8zwJsauF4hv9yUdt8r0mgbf2wtud5PhL1B_qjDMax9NkX8imQAIzPW915dn8wdynTYUOh4YLBDj8y34bGQvaE52F-eF0Z563oZn4JBWRCk/s1600-h/mde_logo_bk_txt.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 91px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyE_A4oIIYdfXhPWuPJ5hKylGRZPVLlgnVU8zwJsauF4hv9yUdt8r0mgbf2wtud5PhL1B_qjDMax9NkX8imQAIzPW915dn8wdynTYUOh4YLBDj8y34bGQvaE52F-eF0Z563oZn4JBWRCk/s200/mde_logo_bk_txt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389937229021050226" /></a><br />We were honored to be asked to keynote on the topic "Differentiated Instruction + Technology" at the annual <a href="http://www.macul.org/otherevents/techcurriculumdirectormeeting/">Technology & Curriculum Director Meeting </a>Tuesday, October 6, 2009 in Lansing, Michigan. Sponsored by the Michigan Department of Education and MACUL (Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning), the meeting was attended by 225 curriculum directors and technology coordinators from Michigan school districts.Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-8352470531078481542009-09-19T20:53:00.000-04:002009-09-19T21:30:31.513-04:00K-12 Teachers of WritingIf you are a K-12 teacher of writing, please let us know which technology tools you use to teach writing and whether the tools are helping to improve students' writing. <br /><br />As writers ourselves, we are interested in the strategies teachers use with K-12 students to ignite an interest in writing and to help them learn how to write effectively. <br /><br />As former teachers of writing at the secondary and college level (pre-Web 2.0) and as online instructors now, we read graduate-level daily discussion postings and weekly papers. We notice that written communication continues to be an area of struggle for many, including teachers. We are not certain why graduate level students who have had at least 16 years of education and practice have not learned to write clearly and concisely.<br /><br />You may want to take a look at the <a href="http://professionals.collegeboard.com/k-12/awards/costas">Bob Costas Grants for the Teaching of Writing</a> to see what your innovative colleagues are doing. This year's competition is over, but you can email to ask about the 2010 competition.Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-75003512474445906942009-07-14T18:42:00.000-04:002009-07-14T18:51:00.475-04:00Tiering vs. TrackingAdvocates of differentiated instruction are sometimes asked whether tiering instruction is the same as tracking students. <br /><br />Answer: tiering is <strong>NOT</strong> the same as tracking.<br /><br /><strong>Tracking</strong> refers to the decades-old practice of splitting students into homogenous groups based on roughly the same intelligence level. The homogeneous groups typically stay together and move from class to class throughout the day. <br /><br /><strong>Tiering</strong> refers to the creating of flexible groups within the classroom to match learners' instructional needs with the learning at hand. Tiering can apply to readiness, learning profile, interest, process (activities), and assessment. Flexible grouping is just as it sounds; students are regrouped according to the learning at hand and regrouped again based on the learning at hand. Tiering takes place only in the individual classroom.Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-74334149379533263462009-05-29T22:51:00.000-04:002009-05-29T22:52:44.986-04:00Educational Technology Leadership ConferenceIf you’re in Michigan in June, we’ll be co-presenting at two different sessions at a new conference called the <strong>Educational Technology Leadership Conference </strong>on the 22nd at Holt High School. It’s co-sponsored by MACUL (Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning) and MIEM (Michigan Institute for Educational Management). This event merges two conferences that have been around for some time. Check out <a href="http://www.macul.org/page.php?pid=250">this link </a>to learn more: We hope to see you there!Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-66833068912221821292009-05-29T22:39:00.000-04:002009-05-29T22:50:22.261-04:00Two new online courses on DI +Tech!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrvZm_hq-LLg9yHThuNNi5qF3LhERtYIMpCN38RVIyJKNdgYX3qwrA6U4U0AAKiHxK2tphyHWoL7yczUJooKfykuE4kcYQRmTHR4KTzaxohc5w1yU7_d633_-Fw7leEZy6i8fLlcPHlqP/s1600-h/WilkesDE.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 189px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrvZm_hq-LLg9yHThuNNi5qF3LhERtYIMpCN38RVIyJKNdgYX3qwrA6U4U0AAKiHxK2tphyHWoL7yczUJooKfykuE4kcYQRmTHR4KTzaxohc5w1yU7_d633_-Fw7leEZy6i8fLlcPHlqP/s200/WilkesDE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341443530133142754" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPcGZ0KdTzNCBit2DVRFFgCMkgKEBoWiREsZWpeDSBWFCzSZaw5DMLdOsMYUrkOISNLz4ZeRyHxXyjJPPoMWxsWG6GjBzhzcUssUJYhzJbynix4zp1tN1d36k7AzsTNFhXJ39ILXinHo0/s1600-h/kdsi.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 56px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPcGZ0KdTzNCBit2DVRFFgCMkgKEBoWiREsZWpeDSBWFCzSZaw5DMLdOsMYUrkOISNLz4ZeRyHxXyjJPPoMWxsWG6GjBzhzcUssUJYhzJbynix4zp1tN1d36k7AzsTNFhXJ39ILXinHo0/s200/kdsi.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341443238091796530" /></a><br />We’ve been a part of some exciting projects that we’d like to tell you about. Earlier this spring, we completed a set of videos for a content provider that partners with universities, colleges and school districts to offer courses for graduate and continuing education credits for teachers. Check out <a href="http://www.kdsi.org/">Knowledge Delivery Systems</a> later in the summer for our course on differentiating instruction with technology.<br /><br /><br />And, we’ve almost finished writing the online class that we will be teaching in the near future for the M.S. in Instructional Media offered by Discovery Education and Wilkes University. It’s called <strong>EDIM 503: Differentiation Supported by Technology</strong>. Check it out!Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-70961675553764623382009-05-29T22:33:00.000-04:002009-05-29T22:39:28.205-04:00Exciting News!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6DAvWeL0HD9g-7LJpfIx2yXH-W44gIT147aDmRf2SQl_bVafXRqJDOZpsj-rLokd1VIQydrNKbVbpe1cPItrI8LiIIKK2ISHuBsBWQuPKVeMpAXrRhyphenhyphenlmYADFamFRuIbhenJ6aqUx3ny/s1600-h/ms.book.cover.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6DAvWeL0HD9g-7LJpfIx2yXH-W44gIT147aDmRf2SQl_bVafXRqJDOZpsj-rLokd1VIQydrNKbVbpe1cPItrI8LiIIKK2ISHuBsBWQuPKVeMpAXrRhyphenhyphenlmYADFamFRuIbhenJ6aqUx3ny/s200/ms.book.cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341440859651651746" /></a><br />We’re thrilled to share with you that we recently had the chance to view the cover of our new book (forthcoming this fall)! Here is the cover of <em>Differentiating Instruction with Technology in Middle School Classrooms</em>! Look for it in the ISTE bookstore or on Amazon.Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-77358511284620708352009-03-26T22:24:00.000-04:002009-03-26T22:59:38.130-04:00Online Lit CirclesLiterature Circles have long been a favorite instructional strategy, particularly in middle grade classrooms. <br /><br />If you have never used the Lit Circle strategy before, you can read more about it at <a href="http://www.readwritethink.net/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=19">Read Write Think</a>. And at <a href="http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/DE/PD/instr/strats/literaturecircles/index.html">Instructional Strategies Online</a>, you'll find a treasure trove of helpful materials for starting your own.<br /><br /><strong>But why not kick an already familiar idea up a notch?</strong> You can use a Wiki or Blog application to start your online circle. Better yet, check out a terrific document from Terry Taylor who reports on her experience with Lit Circles: <a href="http://www.learnnowbc.ca/files/PDF/Online_Literature_Circles_2008_-_Rural_Schools_conference.pdf">Online Literature Circles: an Engaging Way to Learn</a><br /><br />At NECC 2008 in San Antonio, we met students in grades 4-5 who were participating in an online Lit Circle set up by the <a href="http://itls.saisd.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78&Itemid=101">San Antonio ISD</a>. The students absolutely glowed as they talked about their online Lit Circle experience! In fact, they could hardly wait to read their next book so that they could participate in its Lit Circle. Talk about enthusiasm for reading!Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-52434143097577881572009-03-21T10:43:00.000-04:002009-03-21T11:03:00.797-04:00Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning (MACUL)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouv5-GU8KvIugEyjt_m9e-qGOL7bLptMY_cAUfQde6856VypEHs1TrN9Fzw7qtQ_g1kML5P3NPkau30PHdDAgWQ57O4Pc0MEoqutwcfdks_r2tVEGP86YssDH7iajVHiMvg_ha1itP9bW/s1600-h/MACUL+09+Badge.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 64px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouv5-GU8KvIugEyjt_m9e-qGOL7bLptMY_cAUfQde6856VypEHs1TrN9Fzw7qtQ_g1kML5P3NPkau30PHdDAgWQ57O4Pc0MEoqutwcfdks_r2tVEGP86YssDH7iajVHiMvg_ha1itP9bW/s200/MACUL+09+Badge.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315655605285786738" /></a><br />We met two terrific audiences during our presentations at the MACUL Conference in Detroit on March 19-20. In the first session, we showed middle school educators how they could use technology to differentiate by interest. In the second session, we focused on writing, offering elementary teachers several ways that students can create digital "books."<br /><br />In talking with participants before, during, and after the presentations, we learned that teachers are eager to try new strategies that incorporate technology. We are thrilled about their enthusiasm to redefine teaching and learning in Michigan classrooms.Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-79769351941224072802009-02-02T18:42:00.000-05:002009-03-21T11:04:28.304-04:00ISTE Webinar Q & ADuring our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ISTE</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Webinar</span></span> on January 28, participants asked a number of questions about and commented on differentiated instruction and technology. We've posted some of the questions and our replies below so that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">bloggers</span></span> can join in on the discussion. (P.S., you can read more about the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Webinar</span></span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ESchoolNews</span></em></span> at <a href="http://tinyurl.com/apso85">http://tinyurl.com/apso85</a>.)<br /><br /><strong>Q1. Joanne: Do you always recommend Web sites or do you let students search for their own?<br /></strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">We do both. We have found that searching takes extra time, so we often prepare a list of good sites prior to an elementary project. Middle and high school students are sometimes given "starter" sites to save them time as well.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Q2: Cheryl: Which strategies would you recommend for special needs students?</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Look at the terrific and free 28-page booklet <em>Exploring New Territories</em> at </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/afkgof" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3333ff;">http://tinyurl.com/afkgof</span></a>.<span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="color:#000099;"> </span>It has many wonderful suggestions for struggling students and students with disabilities plus pages of excellent websites.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Q3: Mark: I have a student who can not type due to his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">disablilty</span></span>. In my class I have to teach PowerPoint, Excel, etc.; what would you recommend that he can do with technology due to his disability?</span><br /></strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">We would suggest that he partner with another student or work in a group so that he can be involved with tech, but not restricted by his inability to type. You might also check with your tech director or special ed director to see if any there are any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">assistive</span></span> technology devices that might help. <em>Education World</em> has a a good overview on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">assistive</span></span> devices at <a href="http://tinyurl.com/breb7u">http://tinyurl.com/breb7u</a>.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Q4: Janis: I am a little confused on how this is differentiation. Are all kids using the technology, or are you giving them options to use other tools that are not technology based? </span><br /></strong><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">We advocate using technology when possible. Technology is another choice that helps to differentiate instruction. In our books, we outline more options for gifted and struggling students in our sample lesson plans. In addition, we often suggest additional product options, just as we did today in our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">webinar</span></span>. As our focus today is differentiating by interest , the main way we are differentiating is by student choice or passion. However, many of the strategies could be used to differentiate by process or product or another means.</span> </span><br /><br /><strong>Q5:Allen: What tools do you use to search?<br /></strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">We like </span><a href="http://school.nettrekker.com/frontdoor/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" style="color:#3333ff;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">netTrekkerDI</span></span></a><span style="color:#3333ff;">, </span><a href="http://www.kidsclick.org/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" style="color:#3333ff;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">KidsClick</span></span></a><span style="color:#3333ff;">, </span><a href="http://www.kids.gov/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" style="color:#3333ff;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">KidsGov</span></span></a><span style="color:#3333ff;">, and </span><a href="http://www.askkids.com/?o=7014"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Ask for Kids.</span></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"> You might also try the </span><a href="http://www.rcls.org/ksearch.htm"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Kids' Search Tools</span></a> <span style="color:#3333ff;">page</span> <span style="color:#3333ff;">from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ramapo</span></span> Catskill Internet Guides. </span><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Q6: Shawn: Do you have other suggestions on technology for basis of differentiation like the tic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">tac</span> toe wiki first </span><span style="color:#000000;">presented?</span></strong> </span></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;">Teachers should start with the technology tool most comfortable for them. Regarding the tic-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">tac</span>-toe board, it would be easier to start with three choices, then six choices, then nine choices. We have more information in our book about how to use the choice boards.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Q7: Bob: Given that students can choose various topics and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ICT</span> products, how do you approach/manage differentiated evaluation?</strong> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">We provide students with rubrics for each project well as anchoring and scaffolding when needed. With some students, we use learning contracts</span></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Q8: Linda: Is there anywhere where students could publish their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Webbes</span> online?</strong> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Check out the </span><a href="http://mark.realelibrary.com/index.php/help/"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">RealeBooks</span></span></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"> site for how to embed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Webbes</span> on your website. Be sure to look at the </span><a href="http://lopez.realelibrary.com/"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Lopez Elementary Library</span></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"> as an example. You can also contribute your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Webbes</span> to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">RealeBooks</span> site where they will be displayed. A third alternative is to have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">RealeBooks</span> set up and host the library (fee).</span> </span></p><p><strong>Q9: Jack: Could you provide more information about how the Jigsaw project comes together?</strong></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;">The Jigsaw strategy involves teamwork. Often, teachers will choose a reading based on a theme, whole chapter, or set of pages. In home groups, each student is assigned a subtopic or section of text. Students with the same topic jigsaw to their appropriate expert groups, where they use electronic tools and resources to investigate their portion of the task. They use technology tools to produce information for their peers. They then return to home groups to share their knowledge as they are the only experts in their home groups on their topic. </span></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;">Note: If you choose subtopics, you will need as many subtopics as there are students in each group. For example, if you divide your students into 5 groups of 5 members each, you will need 5 subtopics. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Q10: Sandi: Another advantage to point out on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">PBWiki</span> is that students don't need email accounts. The site will generate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">usernames</span>.</strong> </span></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;">Sandi, you are correct. Using a <a href="http://blog.pbwiki.com/2008/08/12/new-feature-classroom-accounts-for-students-without-email-addresses/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">PBWiki</span> Classroom Account</a>, you can add users without email addresses.<br /><br /></span><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;"></p></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/index.cfm?i=57064"></a>Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-7640863552587644072009-01-29T18:48:00.000-05:002009-03-21T11:05:17.950-04:00Differentiating by Interest<strong>So what is Differentiating by Interest?</strong><br /><br />Thomas Armstrong, Multiples Intelligences guru, shares that "Giving students choices is as much a fundamental principle of good teaching as it is a specific intrapersonal teaching strategy." We absolutely agree!<br /><br />In our view, differentiating instruction by interest means setting up activities that allow students to explore their own current interests and tap into new ones. Teachers who use interest centers or literature circles in their classrooms are differentiating by interest. Teachers who encourage independent study are differentiating by interest. Teachers who permit their students to research topics of personal choice are differentiating by interest.<br /><br /><br /><strong>How can you get started with Differentiating by Interest?</strong><br /><br />The first step is to pre-assess your students! There are a number of ways you can assess interest.<br /><br />Think about the following:<br /><br /><ul><li>Set up a short survey in <a href="http://www.zoomerang.com/">Zoomerang</a>, <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/">SurveyMonkey</a>, or at <a href="http://freeonlinesurveys.com/">Free Online Surveys</a>.</li><br /><li>Interview your students.</li><br /><li>Ask students to create a personal collage that depicts their interests.</li><br /><li>Ask students to design a personal coat of arms that depicts their interests.</li><br /><li>Use an existing survey such as <a href="http://www.orange.k12.nj.us/InclManualOrange/InclusionForms/STUDENTINTERESTINVENTORY-OrangeInclusionManual.pdf">The Student Interest Inventory </a>designed by the Orange School District in New Jersey. Depending on their age, students may be able to tabulate and organize their class data as well as discuss it. Talk about generating interest! You would be well on your way to differentiating by interest with such a project.</li></ul>Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9043597130621608275.post-86783458755096548102009-01-27T18:46:00.001-05:002009-03-21T11:06:12.554-04:00Welcome to EverythingDI<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BVyMmazlQTuu0UvEvUyuAKzPcuR7TdRcd2IHvorR4vQI6AB_GgwzllXXhQBwhwc8pga2P8LuRPTazbGi9e7V5272L9KbjSIoIzDrrSO0ZOIc1H9p2OZSNAyqf-2FLJqimEyZzmWg6iAT/s1600-h/DIFFK5_Cover_RGB.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296124215484325282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BVyMmazlQTuu0UvEvUyuAKzPcuR7TdRcd2IHvorR4vQI6AB_GgwzllXXhQBwhwc8pga2P8LuRPTazbGi9e7V5272L9KbjSIoIzDrrSO0ZOIc1H9p2OZSNAyqf-2FLJqimEyZzmWg6iAT/s200/DIFFK5_Cover_RGB.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLS4r_wQk3yA-ALq7A27gvp0vM1uROalnaTqdmHSuE5nyp_w4h_XlJVbVVQHgjWLVRvXvni4F0dM62OcXtGSZWgd3L2hRylR8fYtGCUBAzXgmAx65eA-ugojtgX_BC8cNiVAagcAci4k/s1600-h/DIFFK5_Cover_RGB.jpg"></a>Hello! </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6YDQq6I2MNwRLMwQ0stg8jklyZTlg4rY5yZs3-o3oteeDqSDg95mfOutkl4jR6TXSHRYNjS2Dx5ts1wn-Gj03JY85XVkgalWaCbQ7NiQKsbuCcJg53-8yL-ewQcLGCer0aU1yrGYpig/s1600-h/DIFFK5_Cover_RGB.jpg"></a></div><div>We are the authors of <em>Differentiating Instruction with Technology in K-5 Classrooms</em> (ISTE -2007) and the forthcoming book, <em>Differentiating Instruction with Technology in Middle School Classrooms</em> (ISTE-2009). </div><div><br />We welcome you to our discussion site on differentiating instruction using technology and invite you to visit our <a href="http://www.everythingdi.net/">website</a>.</div>Grace Smith, Ph.D. and Stephanie Throne, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15749286440992392854noreply@blogger.com1