Differentiated learning and web 2.0 technologies

Introduction

This wiki explores some of the links between differentiated learning and Web 2.0 technologies.

Felicia Roul

Differentiated learning

Increased attention to students’ different abilities, different talents, and different learning styles has become particularly relevant in today’s education system (Tomlinson et al., 2003). As Hall (2009) explained, students come from different social backgrounds, cultures, and economies and are all different in their academic and linguistic ability. She argued that they need differentiating in learning content, in the learning process and the product of their learning. Many teachers struggle with this idea, and don’t fully understand how they can differentiate learning for so many students (Tomlinson 2000). However as Hall posited, “Differentiated instruction does not change WHAT is taught; it changes HOW it is taught” (p.1).

Differentiated learning is at the forefront of many educational systems around the world as educators, researchers and administrators alike strive to meet the needs of individuals (Tomlinson, Brimijoin, and Narvaez, 2008). Differentiating learning which is student centered; provides children with variety of different options to learn the same outcome (Tomlinson, 2001). Tomlinson (2000) argues that by using differentiated instruction, a teacher has the opportunity to take action in order to reach each child’s different learning style. Every child has its own unique learning style; this uniqueness does not make the child any more or less intelligent than the next person with a different type of learning style (Dunne, Beaudry, and Klavas, 2002). A learning style is simply the way a student learns best. Brualdi (1996) explained that teachers can refer to Gardner’s (1983) Theory of Multiple Intelligence to help guide them in recognizing student’s different abilities and talents. She also identified that teachers should structure their instruction in such a way that it has the ability to appeal to a variety of students different intelligences.

Willoughby (2005) confirms that teachers can differentiate instruction and reach multiple intelligences by providing several different learning options or paths and allowing for different levels of challenge for all students. Thousand, Villa, and Nevin (2007) concur that multiple intelligences are very important for differentiated instruction and observed that it’s very important to note that the intelligences a student possesses are not fixed and can be strengthened.

Web 2.0 technologies and Differentiated Learning

Web 2.0 tools are very useful and innovative ways to collaborate (Criswell, 2008). He argued that, instead of static content which only allowed viewing, students and teachers now have the power to change and create content. Hall (2009) and Dunne et al. (2002) maintained that the how of the instruction and learning is the most important aspect in a child’s learning. With Web 2.0 tools, teachers have more options for how they can present lectures, how students can complete their work, and how students can learn. Grant and Mims (2009) pointed out that Differentiation is a word that is essential and encompassed by both Web 2.0 and education. They also posited that Differentiated education needs to be modified around each student and their individual needs.

Web 2.0 has many different applications and tools available to teachers and students. Shihab (2008) claimed that teachers perceived Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis, podcasts, and RSS feeds as efficient, useful, and powerful. According to Wiberg (2007), these new technologies can be used for user-centered production, instead of teacher-centered content. Wiberg also found that blogs, wikis, video sharing programs and social networking tools allow for social interaction and creativity. They encourage students to have a more active and participatory role in what they are doing (Maloney, 2007). Kahiigi, Ekenberg, Hansson, Tusubira, and Danielson (2008) noted that this technology allows teachers to take on more of a facilitative role while the students take control over their learning. According to Yan (2008), “Teachers are amazed at how simple tools for sharing work and ideas can positively transform the classroom” (p.30). Yan also established that students who wouldn’t normally participate in the physical classroom were much more vocal in the class discussions online. Another benefit of these tools acknowledged by Agnello, White and Fryer, (2006), is that they are free which is favorable for both students and teachers alike.

As with many new ideas and technologies, there are some limitations and challenges to Web 2.0 and education that teachers may need to take into consideration when tailoring education for an individual’s needs. Some of those limitations and challenges include issues such as the immaturity of applications, the longevity of the applications, and the vast number of applications that are available, unconsolidated services, and security and ethics (Grant et al., 2009). Shihab (2008) acknowledged similar concerns inferring that these technologies have a chance to be disruptive to learning. Trying to find a way to incorporate Web 2.0 into teaching and learning may present another small hurdle for educators (Maloney, 2007). However both Grant et al. (2009) and Shihab (2008) argued that, even with these limitations or challenges, Web 2.0 tools are valuable and will enhance teaching and learning.

As Klamma et al. (2007) conceptualized that for learning to be effective, it has to be personalized and individualized. They also argue that learning needs to be centered on a learner’s preference; things they are competent in and knowledge that is constantly growing. However in order to give Web 2.0 an opportunity to improve education for students, teachers have to be willing to change and expand on their previously required technology skills (Alexander, 2008), just as teachers have to be willing to use a variety of instructional strategies, and to learn new ways of doing things (Tomlinson, 2000). Differentiated Instruction begins with and requires that teachers present engaging instruction (Tomlinson, 1999). Web 2.0 tools are engaging; they require creativity and higher-order thinking and are promising tools to enhance education (Shihab, 2008).