Using Edtech Tools to Differentiate Learning

Teachers can use tech tools to make it easier to give students choice about their learning, increasing engagement.

By Katie Novak, Mary E. Pettit

Edutopia

September 24, 2024

In the article "Using Edtech Tools to Differentiate Learning" (September 24, 2024), Katie Novak and Mary E. Pettit discuss how educators can use educational technology (edtech) tools to create more inclusive, engaging, and student-centered learning experiences. Their suggestions are grounded in the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which focuses on offering students multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression to cater to diverse learning needs. By incorporating the right digital tools, teachers can eliminate barriers to learning and foster creativity, critical thinking, and accessibility.

1. Digital Audiobook Platforms

The authors first highlight digital audiobook platforms as an effective way to engage students who may face challenges with traditional print books. For example, even though providing students with a choice of physical books initially seemed like a good strategy, it soon became apparent that physical books alone were not accessible to all learners. By integrating audiobooks, teachers expanded access to grade-level texts for all students, enabling them to participate in book groups more meaningfully.

Students now have the flexibility to choose both the title and format of the book, whether it’s a traditional print version, audiobook, or a combination of both. This multisensory approach helps improve comprehension and engagement, especially when students can read a chapter in a physical book and then listen to the same chapter for reinforcement. Audiobook devices like Playaway or digital platforms such as Audible and Libby also offer additional support for students with learning differences, providing options like text-to-speech features and access to popular book titles through library apps.

2. Multimedia Presentation Tools

The second tool category focuses on multimedia presentation tools. Traditional, one-size-fits-all learning methods—such as requiring all students to read printed texts and take multiple-choice tests—often exclude learners who need alternative ways to engage with and demonstrate their understanding of content. Novak and Pettit advocate for using technology to create more flexible assessments that allow students to express their learning creatively.

For example, students studying the Declaration of Independence could be given a choice between a physical or digital version of the text, with access to tools like text-to-speech or translation functions. To demonstrate their understanding, students can use platforms such as Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Canva to create multimedia presentations. The authors recount how a typically disengaged group of students collaborated to create an engaging video presentation using iMovie, drawing their peers into the project and fostering a deeper, more collaborative learning experience. By allowing students to experiment with different media, educators can tap into their creativity, boost engagement, and promote a sense of ownership over their learning.

3. Digital Annotation Tools

The third tool category includes digital annotation tools like Kami and Hypothes.is. These tools help students actively engage with digital texts by allowing them to annotate, summarize, and highlight key information. This approach is especially beneficial for students with diverse learning needs, such as those who struggle with traditional note-taking due to fine motor issues or processing challenges.

Digital annotation tools often include features like text-to-speech, translation, and multimedia embedding, making them versatile and accessible. Once students create digital notes, they can save, download, or print them as study guides and share their findings with peers. This process reinforces understanding, builds community, and empowers students to take ownership of their learning.

Conclusion

By integrating UDL-aligned edtech tools such as digital audiobooks, multimedia presentation platforms, and digital annotation software, educators can create more inclusive and differentiated learning environments. These tools provide students with choices in how they engage with, process, and demonstrate their learning, fostering creativity and engagement while addressing diverse learning needs.

Original detailed URL: https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-edtech-tools-differentiate-learning

Original Article-

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com