Keys to Success
• Using laptops to differentiate instruction
• Different kids are doing different things– Good instructional practice– Makes shared laptops more feasible
• Avoid using laptops as a “reward” or filler activity
Use in group activity
• 4 groups; each has a computer• Each group is doing the same or similar work
Group 1 Group 2
Group 3 Group 4
Researcher
WriterFact checker
Editor
Producer
Researcher
WriterFact checker
Editor
Producer
Researcher
WriterFact checker
Editor
Producer
Researcher
WriterFact checker
Editor
Producer
Editing (white board)
Use as a station
• 4-6 stations; laptops are one station• Students rotate through various stations
Research or final production (laptops)
Independent reading/writing
Presentation (practice or final)
Revision (teacher conf.; peer or teacher editing)
Research (books, etc.)
Use for differentiation
• Various uses as needed: remediation, enrichment, project work, review, check out for home use
Enrichment podcast creation
Review class wiki
Reteaching a lesson
Video review
Independent project
Reading and research
Tools to Consider
• Moodle – give course structure and links; students can use as needed on their own schedule
• Wikis – for course overview or specific projects; different students can access at various times
• Blogs – for question and response and reflective writing
• Google Docs – for indiv. assignments or collaboration
Posting Resources for Differentiation
• Provide a range of resources• PPTs, web links, readings, student
notes/explanations, audio, video, etc.• Can be accessed independently as
remediation, enrichment, review, support for absent students, etc.
• May want to collaborate across subject area teams on building this