The variety of apps that could suit each student in the classroom and meet the different needs of different students make the technology integration and the tablets useful tools for differentiation. The teachers should have a positive attitude toward technology integration and then be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of using tablets for implementing the differentiated curriculum. The awareness of this on the teacher’s side is a key component in using tablets in classrooms for differentiating their classrooms and curriculum. The use of tablets in the classroom has also brought about new opportunities to recognize the differences of the students in the learning process. The introduction of the Internet into the classrooms has enabled the use of new technologies and in particular mobile technologies like tablets in the classroom. Curriculum differentiation, which is defined as “the process of modifying or adapting the curriculum according to the different ability levels of the students in one class”, involves the modification of the content and presentation of information as well as variation in practice and performance on the side of the students. Differentiation could be implemented not only on an individual or classroom level but also on a curriculum level. According to “a key goal of differentiated instruction is maximizing the learning potential of each student” (p. 3).
Differentiation can bring a relief to those teachers and students. They need a solid ground rooted in pedagogy to be able to address this caveat. Most of the time, students and teachers are aware of the diversity taking place in the classroom, but the teachers cannot act on that due to reasons like heavy content, centralized curriculum, and school culture. Thus, the concept of differentiation brings about an immediate answer for recognition and could readily play an important role in actionizing a proactive execution of this action. However, the recognition of the learning preferences is not enough in itself and requires taking more action. The changes of curricula are necessary because the diversity of the students and the learning styles of those students need to be recognized. Previously, the curricula changes were taking place in almost every 10 years. In Turkey, for example, the curricula for all levels have been changed almost every 4 years now. The awareness of the learner differences has risen among all societies and educational circles, and thus curricula have been changing more rapidly. This is more demanding on the side of the schools and teachers, and one size fits them all does not work in this respect. The students who are attending the schools are more diverse and come from various segments of the societies. The development of technologies and the Internet has also diversified the opportunities for students and teachers in this context.
Today’s modern world caters for a great variety in applications and practices for education. However, they all agreed that a successful organization was needed to be able to include technology to the existing practice and curriculum. They reported that technology degradation and tablets were useful tools for differentiation. They pointed out that differentiation via technology is able to meet the different needs of students. Questions included topics like the need for differentiation, the advantages and disadvantages of using tablets for implementing the differentiated curriculum, and the teachers’ attitudes on using tablets. Participants’ ideas on using tablets in classrooms for differentiating the classroom were documented in a bootcamp that includes ICT, English, Math, and class teachers who use tablets, ICT experts, and academicians. However, attitudes and beliefs of teachers are as important as experimental studies to understand the advantages of using tablets to ensure the differentiated curriculum and its implementation. Our research has shown that using tablets in classrooms provides a useful implementation tool for differentiation.
The learning process could be differentiated in terms of content, process, and product by taking students’ readiness, interest, and needs into account. Differentiation works on both individual and social levels the immediate outcomes in the classroom have an influence on the whole life of the society.
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