2.5 DIFFERENTIATION

Candidates model and facilitate the design and implementation of technology-enhanced learning experiences making appropriate use of differentiation, including adjusting content, process, product, and learning environment based upon an analysis of learner characteristics, including readiness levels, interests, and personal goals.

The spelling unit website and learner analysis paper were both created solely by me when completing work on my Master's Degree. The website is everything a teacher would need in order to teach this unit on spelling. It includes an instructor's manual for the teacher to use, as well as 7 different lessons, each enhanced with a technology component, which are differentiated based on student ability and previous knowledge. The paper is an in depth discussion of the learner analysis, I conducted before planning the unit, in order to ensure that the lessons would be differentiated in such a way to meet the needs of all of the learners in my class. 

These artifacts demonstrate mastery of standard 2.5: candidates model and facilitate the design and implementation of technology-enhanced learning experiences making appropriate use of differentiation, including adjusting content, process, product, and learning environment based upon an analysis of learner characteristics, including readiness levels, interest, and personal goals. The website clearly demonstrates my ability to design technology-enhanced learning experiences. The seven different lessons included in the unit show my ability to implement differentiation when designing my plans. I did create this unit for course work when working on my degree, but I did implement these lessons in my own class at the time. Everything that is laid out for the teacher in this unit I implemented myself. The learner analysis paper undoubtedly demonstrates my ability to make appropriate use of differentiation, including adjusting content, process, product, and learning environment based upon an analysis of learner characteristics, including readiness levels, interest, and personal goals. The paper is an in depth analysis of the learners in my classroom, which I used to create the spelling unit to ensure all learners' needs would be met by the unit.

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One thing I learned while developing these artifacts is the important of an in depth learner analysis. I learned that conducting a learner analysis before planning learning experiences helps to make the experiences more effective. One thing I would change if I created these artifacts now would be to include even more technology. I have had the opportunity to utilize more dynamic technologies since I developed these artifacts, and I would include some of those. 

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The development of these artifacts had an impact on student learning. Conducting the learner analysis ensured that the unit I developed was catered to the needs of the students. This made the lessons more effective. This impact can be measured by pre and post assessments.