Journal 9:Harness Technology to Meet Your Students' Diverse Learning Needs

Schad, L. (2011). Harness technology to meet your student's diverse learning needs . Learning & Leading With Technology, 38(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-march-april-2011.aspx

Schad writes a simple yet informative article on the importance of using technology to teach. He has come up with a simple learning model to help students who were assessed in different areas, who did not produce passing scores. His model includes incorporating technology in the classroom to enhance learning. He uses Web 2.0 tools to teach in his "5 E" Model. The 5 E's are: Engage the learner, Explore the concept, Explain the concept, Elaborate on the concept, and Evaluate students' understanding. Some examples of using technology as a tool for enhancing comprehension is communication via digital posters, VoiceThreads, wikis, blogs, and connecting through video conferencing to exchange ideas.

Schad also points out that it is important to engage students inside and outside of the school walls. By incorporating more technology in the classroom, students can access these learning modules outside of the classroom, and are now taking learning into their own hands. His main goal is to use technology correctly, for the students to LEARN! If we use technology as an example for students, then they will use it to their benefit and hopefully into the "real" world.

What if students can't access these outside of the classroom due to financial burden?

There will always be students who fit under this category. Even if student's cannot access these things outside of the classroom, they are still experiencing them inside the classroom, giving them the opportunity to learn through technology. If technology is just used, then students will have a better opportunity to learn through it.

How will teachers know how to use these new technology tools?

Schad suggests that there is a master technology teacher to come into schools and help teachers understand the new technology. Some teachers may not be open to using technology because it is very foreign and might seem difficult, but if the right technology is taught in a simple way, then teachers would understand that using technology would actually make their life easier!