6.+Students+with+Special+Needs



A research project that was assigned in my room included use of the Web 2.0 tool __Timerime__. Timerime allows for collaborative work; students research item relevant to the major topic, then post their findings. Digital media can be posted along with information. One person “owns” the timeline, and can see all of the research and posting that is taking place.As I think about how to create a differentiated project using this tool, would look to a Diffuse Approach Model for accomodations for special needs.

One student tends to keep to himself, will sit and visit with friends during class time. He will sit in an area of the room that she knows will require me to “go the extra mile” to monitor, and some days may sit near people who are engaged in the class, knowing that I will be focused elsewhere in the room. This student shows interest when there is visual impact, but will disengage when there is a written assignment. This student has a very short attention span. The second student has language barriers. While this student has some command of the English language, his writing skills are not as strong as his verbal skills. This student functions well in the classroom, is cooperative and courteous. He just does not write well in English. This is a student who works hard, responds to modifications, and has improving English skills.

Differentiating this lesson for online use would involve differentiating the process of research. Our overall tool allows for use of written or media research, to build information about the topic. In my project, this first student would be better served by focusing on creating the “base” of the timeline for main information, uploading interesting pictures or other media clips. In a classroom setting, proximity seating would be priority. As an online instructor and owner of the timeline, set the email update for frequency, and check in with the student via IM or email.

With a language barrier, differentiation has to include cultural consideration. Most students in this position do not speak English in the home. Offering a more cultural input to the project, with simple English titles will strengthen English skills. Allowing this student to go into depth in the native language, with the assistance of a translator, will also serve to strengthen language and writing skills. Encouraging this student to research their cuture from an American perspective is a third way to increase skills and competency. All learners, regardless of ability level, benefit from immediate, concise, direct feedback is important to encourage continual growth and learning.

Scalise defines "five categories of the framework" of differentiated learning:
 * 1) The Diffuse Approach (different approaches dispersed throughout);
 * 2) The Self-Directed Approach (self-selection by type);
 * 3) Naive Differentiation (computer choice);
 * 4) Boolean Differentiation (logic-driven choices); and
 * 5) Model-based Differentiation (expert/data driven.)

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Flexibility and choice are important elements of differentiated instruction and essential to establishing a successful differentiated learning environment. Online tools to help create this environment include:
 * Blogs
 * Webquest
 * PodCasting
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Digital timelines
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Interactive toolbars

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Other strategies to help student engagement on all levels include:
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Activities commonly found in the gifted and talented classroom include conceptual thematic units, questioning strategies, development centers, independent study, and mentorships
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) refers to a computer-based environment for delivering learning materials on the Internet. The main goal of the VLE is to create a thematic unit that integrates the curriculum with technology students enjoy using.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Online lessons can be delivered via wiki, district on line learning space, moodle, or other online delivery system.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">As with every learning activity, you need to have an assessment component. With a rubric, both the student and the teacher understand and agree how projects will be evaluated.