Differentiation with Technology

 How Technology is Used Within an Instructional Unit

            Within a second-grade math instructional unit, technology is integrated throughout each of the three lessons. Technology applications and digital tools such as Dreambox, Flip, Google Slides, Canva, digital manipulatives, and Google Earth are integrated throughout the math unit to explore, practice, and apply the concept of estimation. Each technology tool is incorporated as various methods for students to explore and learn about the concept. Students will have the option to use digital manipulatives, such as base-ten blocks and number lines, to practice estimation. Students will have choice in using Flip, Google Slides, and Canva to demonstrate their understanding of estimation scenarios and rounding. Students will apply the concepts of estimation and rounding using Dreambox and Google Earth. 

How Technology Engages Students and How to Ensure Proper Use of Technology

Technology can be used in the classroom as an instructional tool, to encourage students’ self-reflection, and to provide choice and ignite creativity (Robinson, 2022). In this instructional unit, students will have the choice to use various technology tools to explore and apply knowledge about the math concept of estimation. For example, Dreambox, digital manipulatives, and Google Earth provide opportunities for students to learn more real-world context of the concept and develop skills to practice estimation with different representations. Technology provides access to authentic learning experiences where students can engage in real-world problem-solving skills, discourse, and open-ended inquiry (Ogen, 2018). Students will have the choice to express and discuss their understanding of estimation through different technology, such as Flip, Google Slides, and Canva. Through various options of technology, students will engage in learning and applying knowledge of estimation throughout the instructional unit. 

In order to ensure that technology is being used appropriately, it is crucial to have established routines and procedures when using technology. Students should learn responsible use of technology to become digital citizens (Mace, 2018). As students learn the proper use of technology, they should be given time to practice, explore, and play first before using the technology in a learning activity. Technology can be integrated into the learning experiences where students have choice in practice, creativity, and discovery learning activities (Mace, 2018). Technology should be accessible for all students and provide real-world application of the concepts being learned. A Universal Design for learning includes providing multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression and providing choice in student learning (Murawski & Scott, 2019).  This lesson provides choice for students to use various technology and digital resources to further explore and collaborate as they learn about estimation.

How Technology Promotes Global Awareness and Diverse Cultural Perspectives

Global awareness involves using technology to connect students to a global community, to provide access to information about other locations across the globe, as well as other cultural perspectives (Cook et al., 2016). By incorporating technology with access to global experiences into learning experiences, students are able to develop global awareness and connections as they explore and problem solve. The math instructional unit is designed for a group of students in a second-grade class that has multiple ELLs.  One lesson in the unit includes an online read-aloud from The Global Story Connection, called “¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market” by Raul the Third, that provides a cultural story to relate to the math concept. This digital literature helps build background knowledge and support Hispanic students in relating to the content. The read-aloud also allows students the opportunity to compare cultural experiences with going to a Mexican market to their own experiences and funds of knowledge. By incorporating authentic multicultural literature, students are able to build connections by learning about real-world context through different experiences from around the world (Lopez-Robertson, 2017). Also, the instructional unit includes the use of Google Earth to explore locations and landmarks around the world and to practice estimation in real-world context. This technology incorporates cross-curricular content, and helps students explore other places around the world while applying math concepts of measurement and estimation. 

Resources

Cook, L. A., Bell, M. L., Nugent, J., & Smith, W. S. (2016). Global collaboration enhances technology literacy. Technology and Engineering Teacher, 75(5), 20-25. https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/global-collaboration-enhances-technology-literacy/docview/1781334814/se-2

Dwyer, B. (2016). Teaching and learning in the global village: Connect, create, collaborate, and communicate. Reading Teacher, 70(1), 131-136. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1002/trtr.1500

Lopez-Robertson, J. (2017). Their eyes sparkled: Building classroom community through multicultural literature. Journal of Children’s Literature, 43(1), 48-54. https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/their-eyes-sparkled-building-classroom-community/docview/1925389168/se-2

Mace, N. (2018, August 7). 8 strategies to manage the 21st century classroom. Resilient Educator. https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/using-classroom-technology/#:~:text=To%20have%20students%20re-engage%20with%20the%20task%20at,lock%20their%20devices%20for%20three%20to%20five%20minutes.

Murawski, W. W., & Scott, K. L. (2019). What really works with universal design for learning. Corwin.

Ogen, K. (2018, November 1). 12 ways technology can support authentic learning. South Carolina ETV. https://www.scetv.org/stories/2018/12-ways-technology-can-support-authentic-learning

Robinson, A. (2022, January 21). Effective uses of technology in elementary school. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/effective-uses-technology-elementary-school