5.+Differentiation

= Differentiated Instruction =



Because Webquest are almost entirely technology-based, differentiation on some points can be challenging. However, because of certain technologies, it is possible for a technology-savvy teacher to utilize way of differentiating instructions for different levels of learners and different styles of learning, as well as to incorporate different coded students into the projects.

One important differentiation that can affect the learning of all students is to have them work in pairs or groups. However, this can be challenging, as often one student will overtake the project in accordance to their own learning style or technological abilities. For this reason an individual mark should be assigned as well as a group mark, based on the observations of the teacher.

By using the technologies available to you, it is easy to accomidate this sort of project for auditory or visual issues. This could include plugging the information into a speech reading program both in research and representation, having the webquest be mostly represented through pictures, or creating a youtube video recounting the details of their information.

These can be the most difficult learning issues to accomidate in differentiated instruction, in any lesson, but especially in technology-based lessons. Students with ADD or AH-HD may find it difficult to keep on task with the whole world wide web at their fingertips. However, by providing the entire class with a list of approved websites, as well as close supervision, this problem can be curbed. Some students may also have problems with the higher order thinking involved in evaluating the data for importance or operating the technology used to represent it.

However, in some cases, a webquest can be an appropriate form of differentiated instruction for an assignment that normally employs skills some students with learning disabilities might have problems with. For example, a unit that would normally require an essay could be modified to include a webquest for a student that has issues with writing in this format, assuming they are comfortable using the technology. This way they still incorporate the same knowledge and are able to approach it at a higher order of thinking.

For students coded as gifted, a webquest could be tedious and boring. In this case, it's important to include more higher-level thinking questions that might normally be reserved for older students, such as how they could incorporate the information of their webquest into their own lives, or perhaps have them do some creative writing involving what they've learned. Also, allow them to experiment more with the technology available for representing.