Differentiation with Technology: Fractions

 Enhancing Learning with Fractions

Teaching in a special education setting can be difficult. Learning fractions can be difficult. The foundational concepts that 1/b represents on part of a whole split into b equal parts can pivotal moment in students' mathematical development. To make fractions meaningful and engaging, I've integrated three technology tools that I use to differentiate learning about fractions: IXL, Khan Academy, and Toy Theater fraction bars. These tools do more than just teach math, they create dynamic, inclusive learning experience that opens to global thinking.  

I use IXL for whole group instruction and small group instruction. During small group instruction I am able to start a group jam, and walk kids through problems, I am able to make the lesson change by going to a different level. During student's independent time, students are able to go to the game section and play games, in this case they can play a game that displays fractions. To ensure students are using the website appropriately I will assign specific skill sets that are agile with the standard. I will also set completion goals to maintain balance that are using for screen time. According to Borders, using the tactic of making student global citizens is empowering your students as leaders and teachers. This simply means having students take charge of their own education. While promoting global awareness in my classroom, I like to connect things to the real world. Before students practice fraction on a platform, we will discuss people around the world with dividing food, land, time. For example, "How do families in different countries eat a meal during a celebration?" or "How do different cultures think about fairness when sharing?" In this way, IXL becomes more than just practice; Its part of broader learning experience that build fractions understand while honoring the diverse ways we live and learn across the world. 

Khan Academy will be used for smaller groups and independent time. Students are about to go to the website and watch videos to help deepen their understanding of fractions. To ensure students are the website appropriate, they would have a goal to complete the skill at a certain level and have a time frame on the skill. This will ensure that they complete their work when they are doing it independently. To connect Khan academy with global awareness I will discuss things like "How do you divide things in your house?" I will also show a picture of a family that is from another country and ask students "How do you think they divide their food in their household?" Khan Academy can become more than just a math platform, it can window into how learning connects people across the globe, that will support academic growth and cultural growth.  

 

Toy Theater's Fraction Bars help students visualize and understand fractions through interactive modeling. Used during guided practice, it supports engagement and collaboration. Teachers ensure appropriate use of structured tasks and monitoring. By incorporating global contexts like food sharing, the lesson promotes cultural awareness and real-world connections to fractional thinking. 

References 

Border, A. (2018). Teaching global citizenship in the classroom. neaToday. https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/teaching-global-citizenship-classroom 

Clements, D. H., & Sarama, J. (2011). Early childhood mathematics intervention. Science, 333(6045), 968–970.

Tomlinson, C. A. (2014). The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners (2nd ed.). ASCD.