ICE 2013 - Differentiation Using Cloud Apps

ICE 2013 is around the corner and it is time to register!  If you are in the Chicagoland area between Feb . 26 - Mar. 1 I encourage you to check out the the offerings.  I have been accepted to do a full day workshop - Differentiation Using Cloud Apps.  In this workshop we will explore apps like Evernote, TarHeel Reader and Google Docs to see how students can utilize the tools to be more successful. This full day workshop will give participants to use the tools and explore their features.

 I'll also be doing a breakout session on Thursday, Cloud Apps for Differentiation.  This session will take a look at the same apps from the full day workshop, but with only having 45 minutes we'll be talking about the apps, but not have a chance to use them.

You can register for ICE here - ICE 2013.  This year's conference theme is Meeting the Needs of all Learners: Today, Tomorrow and Next Year.  I'll again be heading the UDL playground, and encourage  you to stop by.  This year we've added some mini-presentations, UDL games, and more.  I'll post more information as the conference gets closer.

Patrick

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Dare to Differentiate #differentiation #edchat #sped #spedchat

The Dare to Differentiate wiki is an amazing resource all about differentiated instruction.  This wiki is organized by Leslie Grahn, professor at Goucher College and Resource Teacher with the Howard County Public School System.  This wiki provides an in-depth overview of differentiation.  Background information is presented on differentiated instruction, Understanding by Design, curriculum mapping, and concept-based curriculum.  Other topics include Planning & Managing, Supportive Learning Environment, 21st Century Learning, Pre-Assessment, Continuous Assessment, Leadership for Differentiation, Professional Development for Differentiation, Universal Design for Learning, and Personalized Learning.  Additionally,  there are pages full of examples and templates for various differentiated instruction strategies.

Below is a Prezi that Leslie created on Navigating the Dare to Differentiate wiki.

Additional Resources on Differentiation:

• The Differentiator
• Differentiate-with-Technology wiki
• #elemchat (09.10.2011) - How Can Technology Be Used for Differentiation

-  Jeremy

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Guest Post - Talking SmartBoards & More

Hi Everyone,

I am proud to have a guest blogger today, Anne Marie from Talking Smartboards & More. Please enjoy her post below and visit her blog!

I was very honored when Patrick asked me to write a guest post on his wonderful blog as part of his 30 Days to a Better Blogger Challenge. On my blog Talking SMARTBoards & Much More I discuss my experiences incorporating the SMARTBoard (and other technologies) into a special education classroom. It has been a journey that has empowered my students to demonstrate abilities that had previously been hidden like a shadow at night- it's there, you just can't see it without a light. The SMARTBoard has been their light! A way for my students to succeed, to demonstrate their knowledge, to raise their self-esteem, to make a difference in their lives, to show others they can be challenged and succeed. Because of the interactivity of the SMARTBoard and the flexibility of the Notebook software I am able to design lessons that differentiate learning, adapt learning objectives and give my students a way to express their knowledge. Students that may not be able to complete typical, standard worksheets can manipulate objects on the SMARTBoard to address objectives and answer comprehension questions within the MA Curriculum Frameworks. Last year when we wrote poetry, discussed Romeo and Juliet, learned about MLK, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement and explored the 2008 Presidential election, just to name a few, each student was a true active participant.

Many of the software programs that I have used for years with my students, including Board Maker, Writing with Symbols and Intellitools partner well with the SMARTBoard. Using the SMARTBoard with web based interactive activities opens the door for so many students who experience difficulties manipulating the mouse. Participation is as easy as a touch of their finger. As a teacher, nothing makes my heart smile brighter than seeing that look of pride when a student accomplishes a goal that had otherwise eluded him/her. And as important, it also has allowed others to see the true potential my students possess-- to believe in them as I always have.

I would encourage everyone to explore the possibilities that a SMARTBoard can hold for all students. I know when I first started experimenting with the SMARTBoard I felt like one pebble in a stream of rocks. But I am here to tell you that it's ok to be that pebble because it only takes one pebble to change the flow of a stream.

Some of my "favorite" places to visit to obtain ideas about SMARTBoards and integrating technology are- Teachers Love SMARTBoards, SMARTBoard Revolution, The WhiteBoard Blog, No Limits 2 Learning, Free Technology for Teachers, The Inclusion Revolution- Technology in Special Education. When looking for interactive web based resources to use with the SMARTBoard I visit Thinkfinity, Johnnies Math Page, Sheppard Software, Topmarks, Instructional Technology-Lee Summit.

Math Fact Cafe

Math Fact Cafe is a great website that I use on a regular basis.


Basically it is a website where you can create math worksheets.  Worksheets on addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions & even money & time can be created.  There is also a section for flashcards, both online and offline.  The online flashcards are split into many different levels, and offer feedback to students when they are finished with 20 questions.   The printable cards are 2 to a sheet with answers on the back.


The worksheets are highly customizable.  You can create drill sheets of +1’s or +5’s, or sheets with all different addition problems.  Once you complete the sheet you can “re-shuffle” the sheet so you get more than one with the same type of problems.   You can even set it up to get a new sheet each day via e-mail.  With this website you can create worksheets for all levels of students.




-  Patrick