Course Syllabus

Differentiated Instruction With Canvas

  Course Author: Stephanie Martinez

E-mail: martinezs@castleberryisd.net

 Twitter: @chstechteacher

This training will be focused on how to use Canvas tools to created differentiated learning experiences for your learners through a blended environment. First, students will understand what blended learning is and what it offers to the learner. They will explore what differentiation is and is NOT as well as general misconceptions about differentiation.  Canvas has several features like discussions, assignments, grouping tools, quizzes, conferences, and chat features that allow for quick, easy, and effective was to individualize the learner experience. This course will show how to use each in your classroom.

Environment and Materials

Delivery will be blended. The initial day will be on campus and the following days will be via the internet and Canvas.

Participant Resources

• Laptop or iPad with Internet Access
• Login to Canvas

Purpose

Based on the BrightBytes survey, students struggle with practicing the the 4C’s (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, & creativity). According to a 2010 study — the American Management Association, the AMA 2010 Critical Skills Survey — the “4Cs” will become even more important to organizations in the future. Three out of four (75.7 percent) executives who responded to the AMA survey said they believe these skills and competencies will become more important to their organizations in the next three to five years, particularly as the economy improves and organizations look to grow in a global marketplace. We must provide our students with multiple ways to learn and access material so they can be successful learners. Blended learning environments that utilize modern technology and current pedagogical practices eases this task. Canvas tools and technology make this a more manageable process. It is necessary to help teachers explore a variety of methods available in Canvas to support transforming activities to a modern learning environment supporting the 4Cs . 

Format

This course is a competency-based course, which requires implementation and reflection of learned strategies. The format will be delivered in two parts: three days of online modules and a final reflection of implementation. Participants will be given a three-day window to complete the online modules. The electronic resources will be made available through Canvas, the district’s learning management system (LMS). The content will guide the participant through the learning process of differentiated instruction with Canvas. The information in the modules will be available for reference after the initial phase of the training.

Learning Expectations 

​This online course will help teachers understand what is a blended learning environment. They will also learn what differentiation is and is NOT as well as general misconceptions about differentiation.  Learners will understand how to use Canvas discussions boards, assignments, grouping tools, quizzes, conferences, and chat features to differentiate in the online classroom. As a result, teachers will be able to create an online environment utilizing multiple different modes of instructional delivery that rely on communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Upon completion of the course, teachers will have tools and lessons to incorporate in their upcoming Canvas course. 

Goals and Objectives

1. Learner will understand blended learning
1. Learner will compare the difference between what blended learning is and what it is not.
2. Learner will explore ways blended learning would work in their classroom.
2. Learner will be able to distinguish between differentiated, individualized and personalized learning.
1. Learner will define differentiated, individualized and personalized learning.
2. Learner will discuss how their classroom currently operates in each realm. 
3. Learner will be develop a plan to utilize Canvas discussions, assignments, grouping tools, quizzes, video, and audio features.
1. Learner will understand how various Canvas tools could be used differentiation.
2. Learner will construct an activity plan that uses at least 3 different Canvas tools for differentiation.

Assessment

Students will finish discussion, submit assignments and read over articles that help them understand how to use Canvas as a blended environment to deliver differentiated instruction. . 

Modules

Course Evaluation

A quick instructor feedback form will be completed at the conclusion of the lesson. If the teachers respond with mostly positive feedback, then the course author and instructor will know the instructional design was effective.  

Timeframe 

Three days of online modules approximately 3-4 hours

Final implementation piece that uses the lesson completed in an actual class format