Actively Learn as an Adaptive Technology

How the Use of Actively Learn Can Help Differentiate Instruction and Assist Students with Learning Disabilities

5dcd8dd1e46508cc2dbcb710dba83727

Teachers are asked to differentiate their instruction to respond to the needs and differences represented by the student population in their classroom. Time constraints and large classroom sizes make the implementation of differentiated instruction very difficult, especially when considering that general education teachers are asked to make modifications and/or accommodations to assist students with learning disabilities in the design of student-centered classrooms.

While challenges exist on the teacher side of the equation, students with learning disabilities are faced with obstacles to overcome that make them among the most vulnerable for suffering negative side effects associated with their classroom experiences. Among the most common challenges for students with learning disabilities are:

Busy environments that make it hard to concentrate
Time restricted and deadline driven assignments
Classrooms can be teacher-centered with a lot of teacher talk and whole group instruction
Public attention in the classroom can stunt willingness to try
Lack of timely, individualized feedback, leading to a reduction in motivation (Garnett, 2010)

Tech-related strategies can help students with learning disabilities overcome some of the challenges listed above. They can also help teachers increase their efficiency and reduce the time demands of designing differentiated instruction and providing students with meaningful feedback. The most useful of these adaptive technologies are those can be applied in various ways to the entire class but that can also deliver an individually tailored experience for students.

While there are many apps that can assist learning disabled students, Actively Learn is currently one of the most popular and fastest growing in our district. There is also a great tutorial on Actively Learn available through Kyte Learning if you wish to continue to explore while getting paid for tech training.

This post highlights some of the ways in which Actively Learn can support students with learning disabilities. When teachers make the effort to meet the needs of their most vulnerable students, the positive externalities associated with that endeavor can ultimately benefit all students. Below is a table of some of the most useful strategies in working with students with learning disabilities. Next to these strategies are some of the specific ways in which Actively Learn assists with implementation.