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
Craig~
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have found a great resources and are well on your way to finalizing your goal. I'll be sharing out your blog with several peers I have in my own school's math department as, like many, we too are working proactively towards alignment with the Common Core. Your interest in actively pursuing true training via the actual TTM folks is laudable as well; if they can't get you all set and ready to implement, who can?
Great strides so far and looking forward to hearing the aftermath of your proper training. Bets of luck, cheers~
Hello Jeffrey,
DeleteYes, we have high expectations for the TTM and I will definitely post the results at the end of the year. Thanks for responding!!
Craig
Craig,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are making progress! You have found a resource that is working well for you and your students! I took a look at their website and it does look like it has a lot of activities that would easily differentiate for each student. I like these types of programs, where all the students are using the same resource, but they are receiving the instruction at their level. This is sometimes hard to do in the classroom where you are the only teacher and you have 20 students to meet at different levels. I think it is wonderful that you are willing to take the time to know how to properly use the resource. Also the fact that you are willing to call them if you have additional questions shows how much of a dedicated teacher you are!
Keep up the hard work!
Kendra
Hello Kendra,
DeleteThanks for the kind words. Yes, my wife and I are really focused on using technology in the classroom. Therefore, our goal is to continue to increase our Personal Learning Network (PLN) so we can stay abreast of all the great things going on in the tech ed world. Then, we pick and choose!
Craig