ASCD's New Research a Topic Page for Differentiated Instruction

ASCD has just launched a new Research a Topic page for Differentiated Instruction.



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.

We're pleased that our blog has been included in ASCD's Research A Topic page for Differentiated Instruction.

Augmented Reality Technology and DI

Augmented Reality Technology (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.

You have already experienced AR yourself if you have seen the Haunted Mansion's Hitchhiking Ghosts or tried out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 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 Augsburg Display Cabinet and be sure to read this EdTech article to learn more about the benefits of AR in classrooms. Common Craft explains AR nicely in a new video!

One 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.

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 world of banking and economics and in the context of nutrition at MyPyramid.gov. The term is also used with compensation measures, church leadership, dog breeding, and mobile platforms for marketing. We've seen the slogan in the pharmaceutical industry, and in politics.

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 this article.

Project ReImagine

Last 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!


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."

For more information on Project ReImagine, see the following MDE link:

Tic-Tac-Toeing with Choice Boards in Any Classroom

Want to ignite student interest in the your classroom?

Offer choice boards, also known as Bingo, Tic-Tac-Toe, or Think-Tac-Toe boards for product assignments. 

The bottom line is that even though you, as teacher, create the choices, students feel empowered when they MAKE the choices.

Give this strategy a try and watch your students soar with excitement!

Read more and see an example at our ISTE Connects post.

Games Are Essential Classroom Tools

As designers/instructors of a graduate course in differentiating instruction + technology, we ask our students about the role of games in instruction.

We are frequently surprised at the responses, ranging from "I do not allow my students to play games" to "I use games everyday."

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: Games Are Essential Classroom Tools.

Gaming in the Classroom

On 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.

If you follow this link, you'll see a description: http://s4.brainpop.com/educators/webinars/   Please join us! Register today!

You can also read and comment on our recent post at ISTE Connects about gaming and its value in the classroom. Click here to access.