Laureate Education (2010) promoted how customizing instruction and
using technology are encouraged to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Furthermore, Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer (2010) suggested that the tenets of the
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can also be deemed beneficial to diverse
learners by customizing and personalizing learning activities to address
diverse learners. Also, digital media are a key factor when implementing UDL.
Therefore, I chose to discuss how using the “Think Through Math” instructional
solution found at http://www.thinkthroughmath.com/ could be used to implement alternative
activities and assessments for a Math lesson plan design to help students learn
simple multiplication.
My plan is to meet the needs of diverse learners, I will have the
students work on their simple multiplication skills by completing simple
multiplication learning activities using the Think Through Math instructional
solution. This instructional math solution is an adaptive online math
intervention that transitions students to the rigor of common core state
standards and prepares them for math subjects like simple multiplication. This
website meets the needs of my students because for one, it uses different
scenarios to meet the needs of students with different backgrounds. Secondly,
it is hands on so it meets the needs of students who prefer to learn by doing.
Next, it uses intrinsic and extrinsic motivational strategies to meet the needs
of students who have difficulty focusing. Finally, it provides challenging
activities to meet the needs of students who require enrichment.
The only additional information that I need to meet the needs of
my students is to ensure that I receive the proper professional development to
use this website. Therefore, I will contact the Think Through Math leadership
and ensure that my professional development will include, as the website
suggests, data and actionable reports, on demand videos, instructional
strategies, and even a classroom coach if needed.
My progress towards meeting these goals and acquiring the
additional information are on track. All of the information and resources are
clearly indicated on the website so I’ve found everything that I need. As of
right now, no modification is necessary. Thus far, I’ve learned that surfing
the website will provide me with the necessary information to address any
concern or question. Additionally, if I’m still having a problem, there is a
customer service number that I can call for assistance. At this point, no new questions
have arisen.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2010). Technology
integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach.
Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010).
Meeting students' needs with technology, part 1. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_2651012_1&content_id=_9381430_1
