Assistive Technology (AI) and Differentiated Instruction (DI) by

What is Assistive Technology?

jlaboar1 — 2025-03-04 01:01:06 UTC

Assistive technology (AT) refers to any device, software and/or equipment that helps accommodate individuals with disabilities perform certain tasks.

https://www.atia.org/home/at-resources/what-is-at/

Types of Assistive Technology

jlaboar1 — 2025-03-04 01:01:06 UTC

AT comes in many forms, including:
- Text-to-speech software
- Speech-to-text tools
- Alternative keyboards
- Mobility aids
- Magnification software
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Hearing aids

Benefits of Assistive Technology

jlaboar1 — 2025-03-04 01:01:06 UTC

Implementing AT in the classroom can:

- Foster inclusion
- Increase student independence
- Improve access to curriculum
- Boost confidence
- Enhance participation
- Support personalized learning experiences

What is Differentiated Instruction?

jlaboar1 — 2025-03-04 01:01:06 UTC

“Differentiated instruction is the process of tailoring lessons to meet each student’s individual interests, needs, and strengths.”

Four ways educators can differentiate their instruction through:

Content: What is being taught to the class.
Process: How instruction is taught to the class.
Product: The result of what students learned or how they demonstrate what they learned.
Enviornment: How the classroom is manipulated or aides students.

https://www.learninga-z.com/site/company/what-we-do/differentiated-instruction

Differentiation Strategies

jlaboar1 — 2025-03-04 01:01:06 UTC

-Tiered learning activities

-Online activities that personalizes learning

-Student collaboration

-Gallery Walks

-Seating arrangments

-Choice Boards

-“Must do, May do”

-Exit Tickets

-Pre-assessments

ISpy Instructional Strategy Ex:

jlaboar1 — 2025-03-04 01:01:06 UTC

iSpy is an instructional strategy that could be considered as a form of differentiated instruction. Students are expected to work in groups. While students work on tasks within their groups, one spy in each group is allowed to “spy” on another group without any interactions and report to their original group with any new information. This level of guided inquiry allows students to collaborate with their peers before asking for assistance from a teacher. It promotes asking like-minded peers for help and creativity by seeing different approaches their peers might have on whatever task they’re working on. In this lesson example specifically students use the strategy to demonstrate the knowledge of Newton's Law in creating their own "slingshots".