Integrating Technology Into Gifted/Talented Teaching: Meeting 21st Century Goals

Excerpt from article.

How can teachers successfully promote the skills of an advanced learner within a regular education classroom?

Differentiating instruction through the use of technology is the answer.

Intuitive teachers have practiced differentiating instruction for a long time. Scott Willis and Larry Mann, (2000) say nearly all teachers believe that it's better to differentiate instruction but the challenge rests in translating that belief into action. The application of technology can help in this respect since it's become "a vehicle for gifted curricular differentiation" (Sheffield 2007). The flexibility of the Internet offers numerous options for the delivery of content that educators can take advantage of when considering instruction modifications for gifted students. "First, it provides universal access to information." "Second, the Internet provides a common platform for the collaboration, sharing, and publishing of ideas" (Siegle, n.d.). Finally, the experience of using the Internet to form relationships through email, instant messaging, and electronic mentoring enables gifted students to feel connected with others like them and gain a sense of belonging. According to Siegle (n.d.), technology allows students to produce products in a real-world fashion…they can access software that enables them to compose music, design buildings and collect data with laboratory probes in ways similar to practicing professionals in each of these fields. Many gifted students possess a high technology aptitude and prefer this mode of learning. Siegle (n.d.) maintains that the infinite possibilities associated with digital technology, especially via the Internet, means that gifted students are limited solely by their interests and abilities.

Reference for citation: http://www.techlearning.com/article/8912