Differentiated Instruction Enhanced

with Technology

This research study was done to determine teachers’ perspectives on the impact technology has on differentiated instruction in the classroom.

21st century teaching uses more and more technology in

the classroom.

Teachers also use Differentiated Instruction (DI) in the classroom to address the

needs of all students.

Twenty two educators responded to the survey.

Eight (40%) of the teachers were relatively new with

three years or less experience.

Most participants were tenured classroom teachers.

Findings

Adequate Professional Development

Frequency Percent

1=Yes 11 47%

2=No 8 42%

Total 19 89%

Teachers with Adequate professional development opportunities to learn how to use differentiated instruction

Reasons for Using Differentiated Instruction Frequency Percent

Students Have Greater Understanding of a Topic 15 48%

Assessment is Ongoing 7 24%

Peer Learning Adds to the Value of the Lesson 6 21%

Other Reasons 2 7%

Total 30 100%

Reasons educators use differentiated instruction

Nineteen teachers (90%) reported that Differentiated Instruction(DI) had a positive impact on student motivation as well as student behavior and they noticed an increase in student achievement with the implementation of DI.

All (100%) of the participants either strongly agreed or agreed that they can differentiate their lessons more effectively by using technology and that technology improves classroom management during differentiated instruction lessons.

Reported hurdles in the implementation of DI, included lack of planning time and materials not being available.

I Need a Laptop.

Teachers felt technology provides them with more hands on

activities when Differentiated Instruction is used, it offers

alternative formats for students to express themselves, and that

students conduct more concise research with the use of

technology.

Limitations and Recommendations

The major limitation of this study is that a small convenience

sample was used. A larger, more representative sample size would

have resulted in more valid conclusions.

I know I said I complete the

survey but . . .

I admit it, I’m just

lazy!

Can’t you just fill it out for me?

Survey, what

survey?

The research results strongly suggest that DI when applied with

technology can make learning environments more robust,

provide teachers and students with alternative resources,

improve instructional delivery, and increases student motivation.

Conclusion

The ability to understand educators’ use and perceptions

regarding Differentiated Instruction (DI) with technology

could influence educational policies and persuade schools to

increase the amount of technology that is available to teachers.