Differentiating Instruction through Technology

Introduction
A child with autism can be difficult to communicate with, but now there is technology to
help not only reach the goals set for them but also facilitate their learning. Not only in learning
curriculum but also learning life skills like communication and social expectations that
previously were not explained or well defined. When the child needs to use the restroom they can
be shown a picture on the tablet that shows what to do. Pictures in the restroom can explain what
to do step by step (autismspeaks.org). From these basic skills to the most complex, differentiated
instruction through technology facilitates the enhanced learning of each student independently
rather than holding each student accountable to the same standards.
Technology to Differentiate Instruction
In todays world the technology learned from is being created for use in the classroom. It
is able to be modified for any age level, and it is a tool that must be used to develop effective
members of society. With any age group that can use the computer, technology can be used to
learn how to read, do math, look up any recourses, and can be used to enhance the instruction for
each individual student.
In the classroom teachers want to teach as much curriculum as possible for any child to have
strong skills in any area they are working with. A child with a disability really wants to learn, just
like any other kid. The child may not be able to verbalize any struggles they are having but with
the technology we use in the classroom there are plenty of ways to help. If you are a hands on
learner or a visual learner there are the devices: tablets, computers, iPad, iPods, etc. For example:
on the tablet there can be downloaded games for learning such as ABC learning (Gunter, p. 205).

Many apps and games have different levels of difficulty and are applicable from pre-K all the
way to high school. With technology being the primary means of how people socialize, it makes
more sense to have the mobile devices in the classroom. Integrating technology into the
classroom is also a great way to bring learning skills the students. For the teachers it shows the
students how to prepare for the real world: how they can balance a check book online or even
look up the banks information from the computer (p. 209). Now we have the phones that show
us how to deposit our checks from the phone by a picture of the check. Students also become a
lot more independence and build more confidence when they are able to navigate the devices
themselves.
Pros and Cons
Pros of using technology in the classroom would be a way of showing the students how
much they can learn independently. From a teachers perspective there is more hands on learning
with technology than reading from a textbook or listening to a lecture. Technology allows quick
and easy assessments for students in a special education setting without the need for a lot of
materials for each activity. It also allows for faster transitions from one activity to another.
For the cons it is one way knowledge controlled by the instructor, and not much interaction with
the students when they are always having the devices on Communication can be limited that
special education students might be unwilling to transition to another activity and have tantrums.
If a student does happen to be an audio learner they may not learn as much from technology
unless there was an audio element available. Also it is so much easier to cheat with the
technology. For instance the students can use Google to find answers during class work or for the
assignments rather than finding the answers in the preferred method. There is a potentially
negative impact in the aspect of having young children learning to type rather than learning to

write cursive, if you subscribe to the belief that we will still be writing on paper in our societys
future.
In conclusion, teachers should use technology in the classroom to teach each student at
their own pace and level because in todays society technology is everywhere. The earlier
students become comfortable with technology the better, as this will allow further development
of skills necessary to survive in the world of tomorrow. There may be pros and cons that come
along with technology but the necessity of learning to utilize it is worth the potential negative
aspects. It is important to understand that as a teacher introducing new devices will help students
in the long run.

References
ATN/AIR-P Parent's Guide to Toilet Training in Autism, accessed 2/14/2015. Website:
www.autismspeaks.org/science/resources-programs/autism-treatment-network/atn-air-p-toilettraining
Gunter, G. and Gunter, R. Teachers discovering computers, (2014).
Miller, Melanie Eve. The Pros and Cons of Technology in the Classroom. View on Technology
in Education. Melanie Miller, 2008. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. Website:
http://www.melanieevemiller.com/wpcontent/uploads/2008/11/technologyineducation.pdf&gt
;
Wiburg, K. (1995). Learning from Mistakes: Research in Special Education and Technology.
Learning and Leading with Technology, (May) 64-67.
O'Shea, M., R., Kimmel, H., and Novemsky, L., (1990). Computer Mediated Telecommunications
and Pre-College Education: A Retrospect. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 6
(1), 65-75.