the beginning of the end?
Could the newest advancement in differentiated instruction be the the answer educators everywhere have been looking for? Probably not, but it’s a start!
In the article “New Web-based Learning Program Launched; Rapid Resources(R) Makes Differentiated Instruction a Simple Task for Accelerated Learning or Remediation” the newly launched program is said to make Individualized Learning Plans (ILP) simplified for both educators and the students who use them.
The program focuses on four main areas of academics; mathematics, language arts, reading and science. Depending on the needs of the individual student Rapid Resource can create instruction to remediate or accelerate the information.
At first it sounds like an absolutely fabulous idea. Having been a teacher I know how long it takes to create an effective lesson plan for every day of the week per subject being taught. On top of that, as a teacher of students with learning differences, creating a lesson catered to the individual needs of each and every student.
Despite having to answer a few questions on each students ability this article makes it seem as though the web-based program does the rest.
I must say I am more than slightly skeptical. One aspect, not confirmed in the article is whether or not the students carry out the lessons and tutorials online. If the LD is ADD or ADHD related, the students may have difficulty completing the task without constant redirection. This may also eliminate the interaction students require to succeed.
I must also admit that I have my doubts about many web-based instructional programs. Experiences I have had in the past is the direct cause of this. One such program is the “FastForWord” program which claims to raise student reading by multiple grade levels. The program does improve the ability to read, however, it does not improve reading comprehension and in many cases lowers it.
Well, I suppose I either need concrete proof or severe convincing to trust in the abilities of Rapid Rescource.
