Supporting our students through differentiated instruction while simultaneously enriching student learning styles can be an overwhelming task for educators. However, with each passing year, technology has continuously made differentiated instruction more effective and a whole lot easier. The search for authentic technology that can promote student learning and enhance individual needs can seem daunting, as there are a plethora of resources and tools available to teachers and students; but looking for technology that correlates with state standards, formative assessments and tiered learning levels on the same content can create powerful results within the classroom setting (Stern, 2015). Some examples of current and relevant technologies are Boom Cards, Moby Max and Nearpod. Each of these can be incorporated during workstation rotations or whole group independent work time.
Boom Cards
Boom
Cards are engaging and kid-friendly digital task cards that are easy to use and
will track student progress while also providing students instant corrective
feedback, as well as an opportunity for teachers to differentiate instruction
and skills based on students’ individual needs (Boom Cards, 2023). To use Boom Learning,
you will need internet access, a technology device and subscription to their
application. While they do offer a free starter package, to effectively use this
resource you will need to purchase as least the Essential subscription package
yearly, as this allows you to work with 150 students for 25 dollars annually,
rather than only 5 students like in the free starter pack. Once you purchase a
subscription, you can either purchase pre-made task cards, create your own (this
is also dependent on your subscription) or search among the free card library. Boom
Cards are able to be assigned to students as a whole group or an individual
student. These decks are placed in their assignment library and can completed
in any order of their choosing. Boom Cards are a great resource to incorporate
during independent work time in all subject areas and can be easily accessed for
students of all ages through a web link, Google Classroom and Seesaw. Boom Cards
can provide differentiation for all learners as each card deck offers different
styles and formats; for example, multiple choice questions, audio, game-like
features, draggable objects and even fill in the blank.
Moby Max
Moby Max is another educational technology that is geared towards closing learning gaps by identifying missing skills through diagnostic assessments and creating engaging lessons for students through the use of games and interactivity. In order to access Moby Max, districts, schools or students would need to purchase a license of $3,795 for a school/district or $5.49 per student; however, this resource addresses a great amount of student readiness by offering differentiation and tailoring personalized learning plans for each student in all subject areas and is easy to use for grades K-8. As student’s login to Moby Max each day, they are greeted with a daily comic, the opportunity to earn game time and upon assignment completion, they can earn badges and certificates, which ultimately focuses on highlighting their daily academic progress and motivation.
Nearpod
Nearpod takes differentiation to the next level by taking into consideration that education is not a one size fits all (Simpson, 2021). This digital platform allows teachers to use interactive lessons, tools, videos, games, activities and formative assessments to track student’s real-time insights in order to guide their teaching, address misconceptions, provide immediate feedback and to improve student achievement in all subject areas (Nearpod, 2023). Like Boom Cards and Moby Max, Nearpod is requires a paid subscription for use. This resource allows teachers to create or use premade lessons that are student-paced, giving students to chance to complete lessons at their own speed while even providing students differentiated lessons dependent on their on their learning needs. Assessments through Nearpod provide instant feedback in order to guide instruction and even offer students a chance to access their reports in hopes to hold them accountable for their learning.
Student Ownership
Boom Cards and Moby
Max can create a huge sense of ownership and promote learning among any group
of students. With both of these technologies, students are given the opportunity
to track their data and academic growth through the use of immediate corrective
feedback. By giving students a chance to become academically aware and track
their growth, they are more likely to become intrinsically motivated and
invested in their education.
References
Boom Cards. (2023). Faster learning, better tools. https://wow.boomlearning.com/
Nearpod. (2023). However you teach, it’s in nearpod.
https://nearpod.com/
Simpson, A. (2021). How to use tech to differentiate
for students. Nearpodblog. https://nearpod.com/blog/how-to-use-tech-to-differentiate-for-students/#:~:text=How%20to%20use%20tech%20to%20differentiate%20for%20students,...%205%20Multiple%20responses%20for%20all%20Learners%20
Stern, J. (2015). Enhancing learning through
differentiated technology. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/enhanced-learning-through-differentiated-technology-julie-stern#:~:text=Here%20are%20three%20educational%20technologies%20that%20enhance%20DI,of%20the%20specific%20student.%20...%203%203.%20EDpuzzle
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