Educators know that not every student learns in the same way. By differentiating instruction, educators consider the varying needs of each student by providing different opportunities for students to learn. For example, during a lesson on addition, educators can set up learning centers where students can explore manipulatives, write story problems or play skill-focused computer games. Centers should be multi-level, allowing for both the gifted and the delayed learner to develop a skill.

Ever-changing technology brings with it continually updating ways to diversify learning. Here are some ways you can incorporate technology into your daily learning centers.

 
Electronic collaboration

Students can be taught to create and maintain wikis, share ideas and writing through Google Docs, and collaborate on sites such as Ning. (Although Ning will start charging membership fees in July, according to a New York Times blog post, the service will remain free to educators.)

 
Not your grandmother’s textbook

• Digital textbooks feature dictionaries, hyperlinks to more information, e-mail applications, forum discussions, simulations, multimedia, data searching, study aids and learning evaluation tools. There are a number of free and low-price digital textbooks available online; conduct an Internet search to find them.
• Mobile devices and e-readers such as the Kindle bring books into the digital age and make learning portable and accessible.

 
Digital pen pals

The Internet and e-mail open doors to global learning partners. Check out www.epals.com and the International Education and Resource Network (iERN) at http://iEARN.org to find keyboard pals for your students. iERN is a nonprofit organization that’s pairing students and teachers across continents; the organization also offers professional development opportunities for educators new to digital collaboration.

 
More tools

Online games, videos and podcasts all extend learning in ways we never before imagined. Students can both create and use these learning tools to expand and explore the classroom curriculum.

How do you differentiate instruction using technology in your classroom? Share your ideas on the ATPE Idea Exchange.