When we dig into our grade level or discipline standards (Common Core, NGSS, etc.) and identify what it is our students are expected to master, one of the next logical steps is to develop activities that support the mastery of the content. As these activities are created, this is where differentiation has to be present. If we create a “one size fits all” activity, our results will be equally as flat. So, differentiate the activity for all students to grow in the mastery of the content.
This brings us to SAMR, see a previous blog post for a reminder of what SAMR is, as we start designing the activities. Can we create a learning opportunity that isn’t possible without the technology? If not, we are just
substituting this with this
Instead, what if we create an activity where students can practice the skill and explain their thinking.
Click on the image to go to the video.
Wisconsin Academic Standard, Mathematics: 1.OA.A.1
ISTE Standards, Student: Communication and Collaboration, Research and Information Fluency,
Technology Operations and Concepts
This is perfect example of “R”edifining instruction on the SAMR model. By using the app Educreations, the teacher is still having her students work on single digit addition, like the worksheet and app example above, but she is also asking her students to give a “math talk” that explains their reasoning. Based on observations during universal instruction and assessments, we then can create a differentiated experience where all students can:
- Use academic language that supports mastery at their level as it supports the standard.
- Show their mastery by creating “How to” videos for an audience and creating an authentic purpose that wasn’t possible in the worksheet or skill and drill app.
Now let’s look at a 6-12 example.
substituting this with this
Again, instead let’s create an activity where students still identify the content, but can explain their understanding in their own words as well (using Shadow Puppet and Seesaw).
Click image to watch video
NGSS, Middle School Life Science: MS-LS1-2
Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.4
ISTE Standards, Student: Communication and Collaboration, Research and Information Fluency,
Technology Operations and Concepts
Technology can be a very awesome tool in our educational tool belt, or it can just be a digital version of the same tool. A hammer is a hammer, whether it is real or digital. Instead of just hitting the nail, lets have our students explain why they are hitting the nail and what strategy works best for them. If we design our classroom activities in this frame, we will have a much deeper understanding of what ALL of our students know.
