Diverse Learners & Networked Classrooms

I can't say that students are the only ones who benefit from a networked classroom, but here are some examples of how a technology rich classroom can encourage and engage all learners...

• For students who "can't draw"," tools like MakeBeliefComix allow students to choose from premade graphics to create their own comics.
• For interest level, tools like Glogster allow for personal creation and expressions when working on tasks.
• Auditory learners can create podcasts that can be embedded in other projects.
• For students who have difficulties taking notes, teachers can use Audacity to record lessons for students to listen to at their own pace.
• For students who need more think time, tools like Wallwisher and Linoit make for "anytime" opportunities to participate and collaborate with the class.
• For students who do not like to participate in front of others in the class, tools like Twitter allow them to contribute to classroom dialogue.
• For teachers, a social networking site like Twitter can give additional opportunities for communication with peers, students and families.

In the end, in a networked classroom, educators can enrich the learning experience (of both students and teachers) through multidimensional opportunities.

Here are some sites I found helpful and that I was able to share some of the ideas above:

Differentiating Instruction Using Web 2.0
Technology Tools for Differentiation

20 Ways High Schools are Using Twitter