Since I've began following edutopia on twitter a few weeks ago I have become hooked. This site has so much information and useful strategies for the classroom. I love reading their articles, watching their youtube videos and browsing their tweets. This site has so much to offer for teachers. If you haven't gotten the hint by now.. I LOVE this website. So check it out.
A few weeks ago I wrote about differentiated instruction. It's so inspiring to see other teachers use this form of instruction as I believe that it truly serves the students and helps them learn at their own level. It adjusts learning to their own gifts and abilities. This video from edutopia shows how teachers in Forest Lack Elementary School use technology to help with their differentiated instruction.
This video is so inspiring because it shows how much these teachers love what they are doing. When asked if differentiated learning was a lot of work a teacher responded with, "Of course it's a lot of work, but that's what we are here for. We want to help each and every student that we teach and we feel like we are making a huge difference in each child's life." That is the making of a great teacher. One that will go the extra mile for their students. These teachers are using technology to help them figure out each child's learning style and therefore finding ways that will work best for their students.
Halfway through the video, a teacher talks about a program they use called IPAC (Individualized Personalized Authentic and Collaborate Learning). This program sounds so interesting because it is personal for each student. It looks at the students learning needs and level while taking the students various subjects such as math, social studies and science and gives them lessons that will benefit them. The best part of it, is that the students present on what they have been learning and so the rest of the class also benefits from the other lessons. I also like that students can collaborate with each other if they are on the same lesson or if they decide to do a group project together. This school seems to be making a good use of technology as they use it to help foster student learning. Check out the video for more information and I invite you to watch more of their videos.. you won't regret it!!
What a coincidence! I love edutopia as well! I have found it to be such a great tool for connecting teachers with powerful resources to make the most of education for the growth and development of their students.:)
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about differentiated learning, I think it is very easy to see it as an overwhelming process of having to plan so much; however, you are definitely right when you discuss what a rewarding process it can be! Each student comes into our classroom with different abilities and talents, and as teachers we need to recognize that. Differentiated learning is a type of learning that shows the students they are valued.
Awesome thoughts. Awesome post.
-Rebecca
Thanks for the edutopia idea! It's so important for us as educators to stay connected with teachers to see what tools are working in classrooms!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the resources!
ReplyDeleteEdutopia is great! I love what you said about the making of a great teacher being the one that goes the extra mile. I think that is so true, I find the teachers that think outside the box and are always searching for new and innovative ways to get students involved are the one's that are remembered by students. Technology is such a big part of students lives that teachers need to be aware and know how to use it to their advantage.
ReplyDeleteI encourage all of you to view the internet as a two way street. When you find a webpage with resources you like, I challenge you to not only be a harvester or miner, but also be a creator. Even if it is just responding to forums or blog posts I am hopeful that a future internet of educators is filled as much with creativity as gathering.
ReplyDeleteSo if you like edutopia, join it, post there, make it better!