Assessing Technology-Based Resources for Differentiation

 Assessing Technology-Based Resources for Differentiation

1.  Nearpod

(Image retrieved from https://cdn.nearpod.com/1660334087421/img/new/share-image-homepage.png)

Nearpod is an online presentation platform that includes interactive learning activities like quizzes, simulations, matching, collaboration boards, and polls. These activities not only engage students because of the variety, but also guide students to take on content in small, step-by-step pieces that support their working memory (Murawski & Scott, 2019). Teachers can create presentations for math, science, ELA, or social studies with embedded videos, audio recordings, attached PDFs and readings, as well as links to other websites to provide a range of support for their students. Creating presentations or uploading PowerPoint presentations to Nearpod is very simple, however the platform has many features available, and some training or guided exploration is required to be able to use the tool to its full advantage. It is a purchased program for schools or districts that has levels of access based on the subscription. There is a content library that has thousands of pre-created, interactive presentations for all grades, subjects, and standards. Teachers can differentiate presentations by allowing gifted students to move ahead on a student-paced format or can lead a whole-group lesson using the teacher-paced format to aid students' executive functioning (Murawski & Scott, 2019). 

2.  Blooket

(Image retrieved from https://repository-images.githubusercontent.com/461542321/612215c0-0e51-4c0d-b130-4eb985b90b12)

Blooket is a digital formative assessment tool with video game-like features that is best used for review of math skills, spelling patterns, or grammar concepts. Teachers can create multiple-choice quiz questions or choose from a library of pre-created quizzes by searching for key words. Various "modes", such as fishing, factory, and racing among many more, are available based on students' interests and preferences to motivate student participation in the academic content (Colquitt et al., 2017). Unlike other online quiz tools like Kahoot, Blooket allows participants to move on to the next question at their own pace and questions are randomized so each student is receiving different questions rather than the same question at the same time. Blooket is very simple and intuitive for both teachers and students. Since it is a free site, not all the pre-created quizzes are accurate and should be previewed by the teacher. It can be used for all subject-areas, grades, or topic whether academic or non-academic for community building or social-emotional learning. Teachers can differentiate instruction by using the competitive nature, vibrant graphics, and timers that mimic the video games students are familiar with to engage visual, high-energy learners (Dabrowski & Marshall, 2019). 

3.  Book Creator

(Image retrieved from https://bookcreator.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BC-logo-inline-colour.png)

Book Creator is a digital writing tool that allows students to create authentic written works such as books, newspaper articles, or comics. It is simple to create accounts and easy for students to create projects without much support from adults. Students can type their work, add images and graphics, record sounds or themselves reading, and change the background of each page. The amount of choice and control students have over the content and presentation of the assignments increases student autonomy and motivation (Dabrowski & Marshall, 2019). Once the work is published, it is visible is an online library for peers to read or listen to. The library can be available to the public or remain private for only the classroom or teacher. Book Creator is a free tool for teachers and students, but the number of books that can be in the library are limited. The tool tends to be ELA heavy due to the reading and writing, however teachers can use the tool in any way they choose fit whether they wanted students to make an informational text for science, a biography for social studies, or a homework helper for math. Teachers can differentiate projects by providing students with templates or narrowing down the topics to support students who lack strong executive functioning (Murawski & Scott, 2019). 

Student Ownership and Learning

Book Creator creates ownership among students because of the authenticity of the tasks and the level of autonomy given to the students. Rather than writing an essay on paper or a simple typed document, Book Creator allows students to design unique, original creations. Since students are creating a written work for others to read, the tool promotes learning and encourages higher standards for students because of the real-world audience (Dabrowski & Marshall, 2019). 

Nearpod promotes deeper learning through encouraging 100% engagement through simulations, drawing diagrams, and collaboration, among other interactive activities (Murawski & Scott, 2019). All students are able to submit their ideas in real-time and share their opinions or strategies with the class. Since their work is visible to the teacher and other students immediately, students are motivated to complete their assignments creatively and timely. Nearpod creates ownership of their learning by providing a variety of annotating tools and answering formats that students can choose from to best support their academic success. 

References

Colquitt, G., Pritchard, T., Johnson, C., & McCollum, S. (2017). Differentiating instruction in physical education: Personalization of learning. JOPERD: The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 88(7), 44-50. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/07303084.2017.1340205 

Dabrowski, J., & Marshall, T. R. (2019). Choice & relevancy: Autonomy and personalization in assignments help motivate and engage students. Principal, 98(3), 10-13. 

Murawski, W. W., & Scott, K. L. (2019). What really works with universal design for learning. SAGE publications.