Grace E. Smith - Differentiating Instruction with Technology in Middle School Classrooms

Differentiating InstructionwithTechnologyin Middle School Classrooms

Grace E. Smith and Stephanie Throne

2009 International Society for Technology in Education

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Smith, Grace E.
Differentiating instruction with technology in the middle school classroom / Grace E. Smith and Stephanie Throne. 1st ed.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-56484-260-2 (pbk.)
1. Individualized instruction. 2. Educational technology. 3. TeachingAids and devices. 4. Middle school teaching. I. Throne, Stephanie. II. Title.
LB1031.S623 2009
373.1394dc22 2009019542

First Edition
ISBN: 978-1-56484-260-2

Printed in the United States of America

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ABOUT ISTE

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the trusted source for professional development, knowledge generation, advocacy, and leadership for innovation. ISTE is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in PK12 and teacher education.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Grace E. Smith received a PhD in instructional (educational) technology from Wayne State University. Her experience includes 10 years as a teacher and reading specialist in public and private schools and 11 years as a technology curriculum coordinator and trainer for a school district of 10,000 students. She has also worked as the director of continuing professional education at a business college, as an educational consultant, as a curriculum coordinator and course developer for a Fortune 500 company, and as an adjunct professor at two universities, where she taught writing and technology courses.

Stephanie Throne received a PhD in Romance Languages and Literatures, Spanish, from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. She has extensive experience in developing online educational materials and was the first instructor at her institution to offer online foreign language classes. She currently works as an author consultant and presents at many conferences, workshops, and webinars. In addition, Throne teaches/tutors Spanish, math, reading, and writing for various instructional and private organizations. Throne is the co-author of a forthcoming Spanish text and is an editor/proofreader for several publications.

The work of educating children is more than a job; it is a calling. Thanks to the many teachers and colleagues who have inspired me, guided me toward the path I have followed, and have had a positive and special impact on my life. Thanks to my husband, children, and friends who continue to encourage me in my endeavors. Without their support, I would not have been able to write this book. Grace

For my parents, who modeled excellent teaching at home and in the workplace and dedicated their lives to countless students. I would not be the person I am or where I am today without their amazing love and support. For my husband and my children, who continue to encourage me and love me unconditionally. I could not accomplish much without their laughter, smiles, and patience. Stephanie

CONTENTS

The Inner Workings and Complexities of the Teenage Brain
Emotional, Physical, and Intellectual Development and How They Impact Middle School Learners

The Learning Environment
A Critical Component for Success

The Essential Nine
Web 2.0 Tools You Should Know and Use

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of Differentiating Instruction with Technology in Middle School Classrooms is to help you strengthen your teaching skills by adding technology tools to differentiated instructional strategies. As with most other endeavors, youll probably find that the key to using technology with differentiated instruction is to move slowly.