#TMchat Archive
Current and relevant education discussions are held every Tuesday in #TMchat. A weekly guest moderator, considered an expert on the the week's topic, joins @conniehamilton to guide the one hour chat and actively engage with participants. Founder and moderator @conniehamilton supplies her responses to the week's questions visually in Thinking Maps.
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Welcome back to , Tiffany.
Welcome to . Our topic tonight is Using Tech to Individualize Learning. Please follow my guest https://t.co/Dhe0ZLPAbg
I am Mary. I teach 2nd in VA
hello neighbor to the south!
I'm Connie Hamilton. Justin Birckbichler and I are your moderators tonight. Let the introductions begin. https://t.co/iPwIfvmuwn
Hi! I'm Justin Birckbichler, moderator, 4th grade T, , & host of . Thanks for letting me host
Monica, Special Education teacher, Texas
looks like you know a thing or two about tech. Looking forward to your contributions to tonight.
hi there! Thanks for coming
Hi again, Monica! Welcome Back to
Our format will include 7 questions. Use A1 to respond to Q1 & remember to include hashtag in all tweets. https://t.co/6TQC96V9Hf
Good evening all, I am Terry, 2nd gr T in Florida
Wouldn't be a without Terry.
I'm Allison Hargroves. I teach 4th grade math for Mesquite ISD in Mesquite, TX
James from Patrick County, VA. Middle Grades Math Teacher.
Hi Terry! We need to schedule a virtual visit soon w/Ss
Grace Helms here from PC! I am an Arts teacher!
I am excited to hear what all the teachers have to say based on their experience
Howdy, Allison. Great to have you join tonight.
Two weeks and counting until our TWEET UP!
Susan from FL is here. I teach 4th grade
Tweet up = Meet a Twitter friend in real life.
it's the best grade. Welcome!
Q1: What is individualized learning? How is it different from differentiating instruction?
Quiet here just north of you in .
Michael McGee Elementary Art and 8th Grade ELA from Saranac
A1: I believe that it focuses on the student's individual needs and that instruction goes at their own pace.
A1: Individualized is for the individual, while differentiated is for different groups on diff levels in a class
A1:Indvualized lrning is Ss own pace, owning lrning and what they r interested in. Diffd ins is how we get them there!
A1 It is based on the individual and their learning abilities and styles.
Busy night in politics here in FL so answers may be sporadic too!
Retweet Q1. https://t.co/SKmvBljLVh
Q1: What is individualized learning? How is it different from differentiating instruction?
A1: Individualized is looking at the whole Ss. Needs, motivators, engagement. Differentiation might still try to fit them in a box.
and how is this different than differentiated?
I know... crazy combination of teaching assignment, huh? https://t.co/fBLa7oEN0D
Michael McGee Elementary Art and 8th Grade ELA from Saranac
Individualized learning is student directed.
exactly. Each S needs something different to be successful
I like that. Differentiated is how we get them there. I did not think of it that way.
A1: IL focuses on individual S interest connected to content. DI provide individ. instruction so Ss can acquire content
A1: Indiv learning relates to a shift in our instruction & expectations to allow students to use strategies/tools that work for them
interesting perspective. Never thought of it that way
I think you're defining personalized learning... different from individualized.
interesting. Are you saying differentiation is inherently bad?
Is it similar to Personalized Learning? https://t.co/JfKrm2Yqk0
Q1: What is individualized learning? How is it different from differentiating instruction?
A1: this question intrigues me; indiv is structuring specific lessons/material to help a s/SS; diff is whole group inst w choices
..and how is that different than differentiation? https://t.co/OKyEpL80Vo
A1: Indiv learning relates to a shift in our instruction & expectations to allow students to use strategies/tools that work for them
unique perspective. How do you blend both?
A1: Individualized learning has more student choice!
A1:
Individualized instruction - Single student
Differentiated instruction - Groups of students
https://t.co/4qyfzG7sLG
I'm not saying that at ALL. Just different.
A1 is meeting S where they are at and helping them grow towards potential. May mean different goals for outcome.
Individualized instruction centers on student actions while DI is teacher centric.
https://t.co/CUyII3NLeJ
A1 is meeting S where they are at and helping them grow towards potential. May mean different goals for outcome.
Absolutely not But sometimes in differentiating we lump kids with needs, might not always be the best match. https://t.co/HBTjpCzh6m
interesting. Are you saying differentiation is inherently bad?
how do you embrace this in your room?
is there a time and place for each?
A1: DL is the "what" of the instruction for individual Ss. IL is the "how" & "when" of the individual Ss
A1: individualized learning should include asking the S what his/her interests are. https://t.co/Jc7TqtqIRm
Is it similar to Personalized Learning? https://t.co/JfKrm2Yqk0
Q1: What is individualized learning? How is it different from differentiating instruction?
I was just tlking abt this the other day. What works for one does not work for all
tools & strategies selected by individual students and they have freedom to decide what works best for them
https://t.co/KbXiXHF0Zq
A1: DL is the "what" of the instruction for individual Ss. IL is the "how" & "when" of the individual Ss
I'll defer to Connie on this one. She explains it well
A1: Using data to provide Ss w/instruction to meet their needs and at instructional level.
Great to see you in tonight Ashley. Was nearby today & back next week. May I stop by?
how do you use this data?
I have found that meeting the student at the IL is VERY vital.
Saundra here. A1: Individualize instruction meets the needs of the individual student.
Gotta dip out to celebrate my son's 4th bday, but I will check the archives to answer later.
Certainly Time For both. It's not an either or, instead student needs help inform DI needed from teacher
Always prepared! Love it!
I think you're defining personalized learning. Different from individualized.
T can create different paths to objectives or allow S to create a path to objective. They choose how to demonstrate mastery,
Individual - single student focus. https://t.co/Fwbe9lMlKC
A1 is meeting S where they are at and helping them grow towards potential. May mean different goals for outcome.
Q2: How can technology be used to individualize reading?
A2: Ss can connect with various APPs to meet their learning needs. My division uses Study Island & Reading Eggs
You're just in time. We're on Q2.
as a teacher I am constantly reflecting on real world applications and diversity of 21st century skills
A2: We use i-ready for math and reading. Give Ss tests and theen puts them in approp levels
never used Reading Eggs. Tell me more
A2: Choice in how they respond. Choice in books on apps such as Leaving thoughts on
A2: Many websites and add ons to level the field - my favs are ReadTheory and Read and Write for Chrome
You're describing personalized learning. Individualized is different.
is it a paid or free program?
A1: IL allows students to apply skills & strategies they've learned to their personal choice of text
A2. Tech that assesses Ss progress as moving forward in reading. Charts and graphs progress by Standard areas.
A2: Firstly, tech will never replace a teacher...but tech can assess, provide additional instruction, remediate, and extend learning
sorry. Wrong chat for me then
our Pc Division has reading egg program that utilizes tech to individualize Ss learning and grows reader interests
When thinking individualized instruction, think along the lines of an IEP for everyone.
A2: Using programs that allow students to read at their own pace, similar to the OpenBooks project.
Paid. . I like that Ts can change levels or focus on one area
Paid. . I like that Ts can change levels or focus on one area
any programs in particular you like?
A2: Love using & to change reading levels but keep the same content especially in
For me, differentiated means within a group of students and individualized means focus on one person.
A2: I have little experience with tech. that aids in reading. Not a big fan of I-ready.
Newsela assist SS based on their specific levels. Tech can also to monitor fluency.
News ELA offers same content at different reading levels
do they have a reading version too?
Don't forget to use in your tweet so everyone sees your responses!
Reading eggs is good for K-1. Too easy for 2nd
We do love blogging we use and it offers choice as well. Video, type and photo https://t.co/Ezr3i4AQc2
or or , novelty & variety with a dash of choice - needs are met and Ss are engaged
My mistake :-( you're right, just for math at this time. https://t.co/LDvqnAJySu
do they have a reading version too?
A2: True, Ss ln can be partially met with a var of apps. Ss still need interac w/peers and Ts in order to make it wk.
Thanks for facilitating tonight. Early morning!
haha send it again in a few minutes
I think that would be good for the next question though.
I also like to use and for individualizing with needs and motivators
sounds like a good answer to Q6 :)
Do you like that better than kidblog?
My students were casting their votes in today's FL Primary using Newsela!
Q3: When individualizing in math, how can technology help?
A3: Using various APPs such as Study Island, Education City, IXL, etc. also math app games are great. High engagement
A3: Can be used to review on the spot as the student needs via screen casts and adjust to level
I do. I use kidblog last yr. Was disappointed in some things they did when they went to paid https://t.co/zX1ErpoJzN
Do you like that better than kidblog?
IXL is a great resource for differentiating and individualizing with Ss. I also use Doodle Cast Pro to have Ss show learning.
it's been messing with my Ss scores and frustrates them. still a great program.
A3: Has anyone used Dream Box?
A3: Reflex for math . Math facts practice
love the mention of them creating!
I really don't know much about it, I have only read about it. I wanted to know if anyone had used it.
A3: Allow students to practice at their own pace (Khan Academy, e.g.). Videos and instant feedback/practice is a must.
you know more about it than me!
A2: My students use SuccessMaker, RAZ Kids, Newsela, Readworks, IXL (math)...on iPads, Laptops, desktops, etc...
A3: Opportunities like Kahn Academy, IXL Math, Dreambox Learning, Tenmarks, etc, provide instruction to each individual.
Kahn Academy has helped me!
Important to use tech as tool and bring skills back into the classroom for parallel applications
For years we used Success Maker and had significant gains - especially w/ struggling learners. https://t.co/eY72EaGSXd
A2: My students use SuccessMaker, RAZ Kids, Newsela, Readworks, IXL (math)...on iPads, Laptops, desktops, etc...
A3: Reflex, and again blogging, using apps to share their thinking rather than traditional
A3: Wootmath is also an awesome online platform to build fractional number sense.
will have to check it out. Game? Teaching? Both?
Very interesting to watch programs improve over time - from IXL, to SuccessMaker, to Front Row and now to the other one I mentioned
how do you choose which one to use?
Heck .. I remember when Speed Way Math and Oregon Trail were all the rage!
like using Terry's slow twitterchat
Yes using Twitter fo#mtgr2 for all grade levels
Oregon Trail was the best https://t.co/TWkVyd75wz
Heck .. I remember when Speed Way Math and Oregon Trail were all the rage!
A3: I wish this stuff would have been around when I was young, I would have done better.
OMGosh... Oregon Trail ! Do you even know what that is baby Justin? https://t.co/mKcmG1aLGs
Heck .. I remember when Speed Way Math and Oregon Trail were all the rage!
hey now! I'm almost a quarter century old!
A3: Ind. math inst can assist Ss by tracking progress among other things.
You didn't miss it. is still going on for 30 more minutes. https://t.co/fwib98LyZ0
There's a party and I missed it?
Q4: What potential pitfalls are there when using technology?
I use to choose but older and wiser has come to pass now Ts pick and it quickly goes away if Ss don't like https://t.co/TQfs6BdiIU
how do you choose which one to use?
Oregon trail was GREAT! LOVED IT!
A4: Ss straying to non-ed. apps/sites(have to cover expectations) Ss can become to dependent, need paper/pencil work too
A4: tech can't replace a teacher
I played the original version of Oregon Trail
A4: Wifi signals and battery out are some of the many problems that can pop up. Always have a back-up plan.
A4: Jumping around to find the latest and greatest. Stick with what is engaging, relevant, and effective, but be willing to try new!
How do you handle that other than taking the tech away? https://t.co/vW7zMdyQXD
A4: Ss straying to non-ed. apps/sites(have to cover expectations) Ss can become to dependent, need paper/pencil work too
A4. Major pitfall is if it can't be used at home and school. Parent connections. My fav tech word! https://t.co/rXH5PkqYlA
Overuse of technology - need to ask why are we using tech
A4: The students rely too much on the tech and don't rely on what they really know.
A4: Obvious pitfalls can occur if not monitored effectively. pcps_teach
right. Can't just be a digital worksheet
I hope you're right. With cost savings that tech would bring ...
A4: Too many tech pitfalls to list. Best advice is be adventurous, willing to try new things, and have a back up plan.
how do you shift course then?
A4: The focus is on the tool, not on the learning or questions Ss are asking. Easy to become enamored with tech.
A4: We can lose the purpose, actually more easily students can lose the purpose.
How frequently are Ss using it? Use to reward those w/ LOTS of minutes each wk.
what measures do you set up to monitor?
Tech can become a crutch and S may not be able to separate the game skills from the game to apply in real world
Good tools! I like too! https://t.co/i7GwWfpZHE
A2: Many websites and add ons to level the field - my favs are ReadTheory and Read and Write for Chrome
I think that we have to get our ss to realize how much they know, and it may be by just taking the tech awy for a time
I notice I am not balancing hands on activities as well with so much tech in math.
so how will you find this balance?
I'm reflecting on that a lot lately...ideas from others? https://t.co/TaoLA3yy4E
so how will you find this balance?
In math, I have equal numbers of hands-on stations and digital stations. Each S needs to visit all in the week
A4: Scared about Ss cheating on an assignment online? Make the question not googleable.
Kids are very good at finding loopholes and cheats for games and will exploit any they can discover
YOU ROCK! Oh yeah ... you have it dialed in!! https://t.co/es2tRvP5Pu
In math, I have equal numbers of hands-on stations and digital stations. Each S needs to visit all in the week
Give me an example of a not googleable question. https://t.co/Reu6KAQDyk
A4: Scared about Ss cheating on an assignment online? Make the question not googleable.
https://t.co/Psbm3ejMcE
In math, I have equal numbers of hands-on stations and digital stations. Each S needs to visit all in the week
I like to offer choice...guess what they choose? I am thinking of making no tech day choices. https://t.co/mXs0NmO5oe
In math, I have equal numbers of hands-on stations and digital stations. Each S needs to visit all in the week
Or shift definition of cheating. In life, we call it collaborating and using resources https://t.co/yzVUbpQYcg
A4: Scared about Ss cheating on an assignment online? Make the question not googleable.
A5: Set aside block of time just for tech use & conference and assist Ss as needed.
I have a checklist they follow and prove to me they've done all. Sometimes, hands on wins over tech
I prefer to think of tech as a scaffold and it's the teacher's role to help gamers are the application when they can't.
Ss have to complete 20 min. reading & 15 min. Of math daily on SM
A1-Indiv learning. Catering to Ss needs by their unique learning styles. Diff--grouping Ss based on abilities.
Students respond so well when gamification is an added benefit.
A5: Tech is just the device. You wouldn't expect a pencil to work miracles and solve all issues. Be present and teach Ss to be wise
Q5: What are some ways to manage the use of technology so it's focused on learning?
A5: Upload lesson assignments that are due at the end of class.
A5: Have clear expectations and procedures in place for using technology.
share some of your exp and procedures with us
A5: Using it as an enhancement and not solely for learning
A5: Project based learning.
A6: As stated in A4- Use time for conferencing & assisting Ss w/learn, while allowing for ind. learning to take place.
What is the height of the flag pole?Use understanding of similar triangles & any tools you feel necessary https://t.co/PEE1NkBNEe
I am joining late. 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher from Virginia
Ex. Timer and modeling for students.
modeling non examples is my fav
A6: Technology in teaching requires well thought out planning.
Q6: How can you blend technology and face-to-face teaching for maximum effectiveness?
Retweet Q6. https://t.co/eefiQrMmEl
Q6: How can you blend technology and face-to-face teaching for maximum effectiveness?
I have seen my K's I work with use the SB game or activity after they have initially learned the topic
A6: Project based learning requires Ss to engage in design, problem solving, decision making, etc.
A6: gather data, respond for engaging lessons
A5: I try to use tech as a tool w/a specific goal. We are using this app to accomplish this outcome so you can show what you know
Which ecosystem would best suit animal X (made up with specific traits)? Defend w/evidence. https://t.co/r4rilwPB7q
A6: Using student response systems (such as Kahoot!) can help in a way.
A6: Technology cannot replace your feedback. Use it to spark conversation with Ss. Guide and support them toward deep understanding
do you explicitly address that with the Ss?
A6: Kahoot is an awesome tool to use for older kids
A6. This teacher blends them very well and magically learning takes place in her classroom! https://t.co/72GcXds0Ft
A6: Using apps like Senteo to conduct whole class quizzes. Immediate feedback from this, allow whole class reflection
A5: I monitor Ss using Tech through software reports, project submissions, and physically walking around/conferring w Ss
A6: Class Meet is another good one. I have used that one in my and classes
A4-pitfalls...when my whole lesson is planned around technology and it crashes! No wi-fi, smart board disabled, etc
oh didnt even consider that. How do you pivot?
That never happens....
https://t.co/AqLZfsXsql
A4-pitfalls...when my whole lesson is planned around technology and it crashes! No wi-fi, smart board disabled, etc
Is it similar to todaysmeet?
A6: Choice is key. I see the best outcomes when Ss can use tech to demonstrate what they know in creative ways PBL is the best
A7: Study Island, Interactive Achievement--Our div. uses MAP testing to assist in identifying ind Ss needs--Great help!
Class Meet = Ungoogleable
Hahaha.
https://t.co/lRzW9N4QXj
A6: Class Meet is another good one. I have used that one in my and classes
I agree. https://t.co/GGV3j0h7up
A7: Study Island, Interactive Achievement--Our div. uses MAP testing to assist in identifying ind Ss needs--Great help!
If I don't spell out expectations middle Ss will get easily distracted with all the device offers. Like, ahem, me
A7: Study Island, Education City, IXL Math, Reading Eggs/Eggspress, Ten Marks, all these are great for indivi. instruct.
good night! See you tomorrow.
A6: tech is the tool students use to explore, research, practice, or produce knowledge...Ts are needed to question, model, guide
Q7: What resources would you suggest to other educators to help individualize instruction?
We primarily use MAP scores that identify ind Ss needs.
MAP data comes alive & is used w/ these pocket charts. 1 for ea. gr. level, Ss names/data on index cards https://t.co/zxiZ2uJtbw
A7: Listening in for answers to this...
Tree map or bridge? What do you think ? https://t.co/7cws1j84pY
A6: tech is the tool students use to explore, research, practice, or produce knowledge...Ts are needed to question, model, guide
A7: Curious about the answers for this one.
A7: Always the best resource: your PLN member on and off Twitter.
A7: ReadTheory, IXL, and MobyMax are great for individualizing. Twitter and podcasts are a great source to learn more
Retweet Q7. https://t.co/0wlLqBDcVW
Q7: What resources would you suggest to other educators to help individualize instruction?
A7. MAP data is great if we use it to make decisions/show growth/celebrate gains.
Great chat tonight TMchat with my fellow Patrick County Educators
I agree that MAP data is useful, but not for individual instruction. It doesn't report specific enough. https://t.co/LouHU1Nemd
A7. MAP data is great if we use it to make decisions/show growth/celebrate gains.
Isn't it great all of the info that is being shared tonight in ? You two are rockin' this chat!!
Thank you for joining tonight! I had a great time discussing individualized learning with tech.
I have learned so much tonight through this twitter chat!! I am looking forward to participating in future ones.
It's all Justin. He's going to lead another chat on.... what's the topic, ? https://t.co/spwJryiYSI
Isn't it great all of the info that is being shared tonight in ? You two are rockin' this chat!!
glad I was able to join in tonight! Thanks all for a wonderful chat!
I believe next topic may be exclusively GAFE tools!
MAP means: Measure of Academic Progress#pcps_teach
As a newbie to these chats - thanks for letting me chime in. Great input everyone.
No, I did not. Thank you!
Thank you, and , for hosting .
Oh, yes. It will be in the transcript too. Give me a minute.
Thank >you< for joining us!
excellent job moderating tonight!
Thank you all for a great chat. Chat at you later. Good night#pcps_teach
