New Teacher Workshop - Tech to Differentiate Teaching & Learning

New Teacher Workshop: Using Technology Tools to Differentiate Teaching & Learning

Facilitators: Andrew Choi & John Titolo

​Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Bethpage High School | Engineering/STEM Lab

George Couros (@gcouros)

"Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of a great teacher can be transformational." 

Today's Program

• Welcome & Objectives

• 1:1 Google Chromebooks

• Tools

  • Google & Microsoft Tools

  • Chrome Apps & Extensions

  • Use of Google's "Additional Services"

  • Google Classroom

  • Screencasting

  • Artificial Intelligence

• Clever Dashboard

Today's Program (cont'd)

• Learn about differenting instruction with technology through activities that are differentated using technology

  • Identify their own learning style and reflect on how it impacts their teaching practice. Explain the pedagogical philosophy and purpose of differentiated instruction.

  • Describe the three primary ways classroom teachers can differentiate instruction (content, process, product).

  • Recognize and analyze the characteristics of a differentiated classroom.

  • Demonstrate understanding of differentiated instruction and compare different ways stduents can demonstrate understanding.

• Technology is central to so much of what we do across Bethpage Schools.

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​Welcome & Objectives

• Foster efficiency & productivity

• Communication & collaboration

• Support teaching & learning

• The objective of this session is for every participant to leave with a better understanding of the technology resources available across the district and how they can be used to support teaching & learning and differentiate instruction.

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• 2012: Pilot with Science Research

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​1:1 Google Chromebooks

• 2013: 1:1 Chromebooks for Grades 6-8

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• 2014: 1:1 Chromebooks for Grades 3-9

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• 2017: 1:1 Chromebooks for Grades 3-12; Full Refresh for Grades 10-11

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• 2018: Bethpage Schools named Google Reference District

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• 2019: 1:1 Chromebooks for Grades 1-11

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• 2020: 1:1 Chromebooks for Grades K-12; Teachers, TA's, & Administrators

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• 2023: Touchscreen Models Introduced

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Google & Microsoft Tools

Storage: One Drive

Microsoft (*bethpage.ws)

Storage: Google Drive

​Google (*bethpageeagles.ws)

Word Processor: Google Docs

Word Processor: Microsoft Word

Spreadsheet: Google Sheets

Spreadsheet: Microsoft Excel

Presentation: Google Slides

Presentation: Microsoft PowerPoint

Learning Mgmt: Google Classroom

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Sign in - Google Accounts

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Google Chrome Apps & Extensions

Run in the Google Chrome Web Browser next to the address bar (omnibox)

Chrome Extensions

Shortcuts that take you to a website

Chrome Applications

To access the Bethpage Collection of Google Chrome Applications & Extensions on a non-Chromebook device, login to the Google Chrome Web Browser with your Bethpage Eagles credentials.

​Google's Services: Core vs. Additional

In February 2025, Google deemed that tools that fall under "Additional Services" are not covered by school district's Data Privacy Agreements. These tools will be disabled for students.

This does NOT affect staff member accounts.

This is account based, NOT device based.

This does NOT affect Google Workspace "Core Services" such as Calendar, Classroom, Contacts, Docs, Drive, Forms, G-Mail, Groups, Meet, Sheets, Sites, or Slides.

​​YouTube

​​Translate

​​Photos

​​Earth

​Google's Additional Services

​YouTube

​Strategies to Continue to Use YouTube with Your Students

Add the video to your Google Classroom as an ASSIGNMENT or in the STREAM.

​Strategies to Continue to Use YouTube with Your Students (cont'd)

Use Google Slides and Insert >> Video. Share as a VIEW ONLY or MAKE A COPY (for each student through Google Classroom).

​Strategies to Continue to Use YouTube with Your Students (cont'd)

Use Google Forms and Add Video.

​Strategies to Continue to Use YouTube with Your Students (cont'd)

Use Wayground, Ed Puzzle (BHS/JFK), or Nearpod.

​Strategies to Continue to Use Google Translate with Your Students

Use Google Docs. Tools Menu >> Translate Document.

​Strategies (Alternative) to Continue to Use Google Photos with Your Students

Use Google Drive.

The use of Google Earth will need to be "teacher driven".

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​Google Earth

Allows educators to "cherry pick" students or groups who you would like to send an announcement or assignment.

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​Google Classroom

This is a great feature for assigning content to specific students or groups who may require enrichment or additional practice.

• Screencasts are screen recordings of what is taking place on a user's workstation with voice-over narration.

​Screencasting

• Screencastify extension (free) limits users to 10 videos; maximum 30 minutes in length.

• Screen Capture/Record tool built into the Google Chromebooks.

7. Google Drive Sharing - Google Drive

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Electron Configuration.mov - Google Drive

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• Artificial Intelligence is the ability for computer or software to learn, think, and perform tasks that are typically done by humans.

​Artificial Intelligence

• Tasks can include problem solving or synthesizing data sets.

Open Ended

In education, is the use of artificial intelligence promoting "digital cheating" or a tool to enhance learning? 

​District's supported artificial intelligene platform that caters to academia.

Magic School AI

​Premium Features

Raina = Chatbot

Option to use other AI Tools (ex: Chat GPT, Gemini, etc.) but login using personal (NOT DISTRICT) e-mail.

​"One-stop shop" of many of the software subscriptions offered in Bethpage Schools.

Clever Dashboard

Once logged in, single-sign on to many different software subscriptions.

Login available on District Website or when logged into the Google Chrome Web Browser/Google Chromebook.

Explore some of the various tools that Magic School has available.

Magic School Exploration

Be prepared to share any tools that you feel you can use to support teaching/learning and lesson planning.

​Magic School AI: Cookbook

Districtwide teachers that participated in the Magic School AI Pilot from January 2025 through March 2025 vetted various tools and shared how they integrated these tools to support teaching & learning, lesson planning, and any administrative responsibilities.

LINK: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EVDKm9nhkve5gNsToUSTylZtG8JfvRbjZ_UFPk1yzS0/edit?usp=sharing

Understanding and Applying Differentiated Instruction Through Differentiated Instruction

One Size Does NOT Fit All

Learning Objectives

• Identify their own learning style and reflect on how it impacts their teaching practice.

• Explain the pedagogical philosophy and purpose of differentiated instruction.

• Describe the three ways classroom teachers can differentiate instruction.

• Recognize and analyze the characteristics of a differentiated classroom

• Demonstrate their understanding of differentiated instruction and compare different ways students can demonstrate understanding.

Teachers will be able to:

Learning Objectives

• Identify their own learning style and reflect on how it impacts their teaching practice.

• Explain the pedagogical philosophy and purpose of differentiated instruction.

• Describe the three ways classroom teachers can differentiate instruction.

• Recognize and analyze the characteristics of a differentiated classroom

• Demonstrate their understanding of differentiated instruction and compare different ways students can demonstrate understanding.

Teachers will be able to:

Part 1: What is your learning style?

Learning Styles, what’s yours?

Learning styles refer to various approaches to learning or ways a person learns. Understanding our students’ learning styles can guide us to develop more efficient curricula and lessons. It can also encourage students' excitement and participation in the subject.

Part 1: What is your learning style?

Learning Styles, what’s yours?

To understand our students as learners, we have to tap into their preferred learning styles. But first, let’s explore our learning style through this Learning Styles inventory. After determining your learning style, carefully read “Some things you can do to learn better” at the end of the survey. 

Part 1: What is your learning style?

Go to www.menti.com and enter the code:

5657 4214

Part 1: What is your learning style?

We tend to teach like we were taught and/or how we learn best. However, our classroom is filled with learners of different types: Auditory, Visual, and Tactile.

Our goal is to reach all of those learners. The links above will help us understand those learners and what we can do in the classroom to best reach them. 

Part 1: Mentimeter

Let’s create a Mentimeter survey by logging in to Mentimeter with your Google (Bethpageeagles.ws) account. The free version allows you to create unlimited presentations, ask an unlimited number of different types of questions, and include an unlimited number of participants until you reach 50 participants per month.

Learning Objectives

• Identify their own learning style and reflect on how it impacts their teaching practice.

• Explain the pedagogical philosophy and purpose of differentiated instruction.

• Describe the three ways classroom teachers can differentiate instruction.

• Recognize and analyze the characteristics of a differentiated classroom

• Demonstrate their understanding of differentiated instruction and compare different ways students can demonstrate understanding.

Teachers will be able to:

Part 2: The basics of differentiated instruction

What is your level of understanding of differentiated instruction?

Not only can we differentiate our lessons based on how our students learn best, but we can also differentiate based on student readiness. Each of us has come to this workshop with different levels of understanding of differentiated instruction.

Part 2: The basics of differentiated instruction

What is your level of understanding of differentiated instruction?

The links on the next slide will take you to different places on the internet that either review the basics of differentiated instruction or, assuming you remember the basics, go a bit more in-depth. Each video or article focuses on the philosophy behind differentiated instruction and how learners can benefit from differentiated instruction. 

Part 2: The basics of differentiated instruction

Where are you with Differentated Instruction?
If you need a refresher...

Watch this illustration about differentiated instruction:

Watch and listen to this illustration about differentiated instruction:

Part 2: The basics of differentiated instruction

Where are you with Differentated Instruction?
If you are already comfortable...

Watch and listen to the presentation on differentiated instruction:

Read this Faculty Conversation on differentiated instruction.

Part 2: The basics of differentiated instruction

Summary: 

- What is the philosophy behind Differentiated Instruction?
- What do learners benefit from in a class where instruction is
differentiated?

I started a Padlet to write our thoughts about the above questions. Click the “PLUS” in the bottom right corner to add your thoughts. 

Part 2: Padlet

Let’s take some time to explore Padlet. You can log on with your Bethpageeagles.ws username.

- Create your own Padlet with the "Blank Padlet"
- Explore Padlet...
- AI Recipe: Ideas for Classroom Activities, Lesson Plan, etc...

Learning Objectives

• Identify their own learning style and reflect on how it impacts their teaching practice.

• Explain the pedagogical philosophy and purpose of differentiated instruction.

• Describe the three ways classroom teachers can differentiate instruction.

• Recognize and analyze the characteristics of a differentiated classroom

• Demonstrate their understanding of differentiated instruction and compare different ways students can demonstrate understanding.

Teachers will be able to:

Part 3: Identify Three Ways a Classroom can be Differentiated

How can we differentiate instruction? 

We each come to class with...

- Different prior knowledge
- Different interests
- Different ways to learn best

Some of the above are teacher-dependent ways to differentiate instruction while other are student-dependent.

Part 3: Describe three ways classroom teachers can differentiate instruction

How can we differentiate instruction? 

Under the “Classwork” tab on the Google Classroom homepage, you will find an EdPuzzle video titled “Tips & Strategies for Effective Differentiation.” There are questions that have been embedded into the video to periodically check your level of understanding.

Part 3: Describe three ways classroom teachers can differentiate instruction

How can we differentiate instruction? 

Let's explore Edpuzzle.com to find interactive video lessons with embedded questions and comments. They can be added to your Google Classroom

It can be used...
- As a Flipped Classroom
- Station Rotation model
- Reteach/Homework/Test review/Extension

Learning Objectives

• Identify their own learning style and reflect on how it impacts their teaching practice.

• Explain the pedagogical philosophy and purpose of differentiated instruction.

• Describe the three ways classroom teachers can differentiate instruction.

• Recognize and analyze the characteristics of a differentiated classroom.

• Demonstrate their understanding of differentiated instruction and compare different ways students can demonstrate understanding.

Teachers will be able to:

Part 4: Recognize and analyze characteristics of a differentiated classroom

What does a differentiated classroom look like?

A differentiated classroom may look different depending on the grade and subject you teach. You will watch a classroom where differentiated instruction occurs and hear from the teacher teaching the lesson. As you watch the video, think about how you may be able to implement a differentiated lesson in your classroom, the topics it may work best with, any possible problems that may occur, and how you can handle them.  

Part 4: Recognize and analyze characteristics of a differentiated classroom

What does a differentiated classroom look like? 

The management piece of a differentiated classroom can take time and effort. There are lots of moving parts.

Log into Google Classroom You have already been assigned a video specific to the grade level you teach (either elementary, middle, or high school). 

Part 4: What does a Differentiated Classroom Look Like?

What does a differentiated classroom look like?

Magic School is an AI tool designed specifically for schools. Let’s explore Magic School and see how we can use it to differentiate instruction in our class.

• Image Generator

• Math Story Word Problems/Worksheet Generator

• Choice Board
  

Learning Objectives

• Identify their own learning style and reflect on how it impacts their teaching practice.

• Explain the pedagogical philosophy and purpose of differentiated instruction.

• Describe the three ways classroom teachers can differentiate instruction.

• Recognize and analyze the characteristics of a differentiated classroom

• Demonstrate their understanding of differentiated instruction and compare different ways students can demonstrate understanding.

Teachers will be able to:

Part 5: Demonstrate an understanding of differentiated instruction

How can students demonstrate their understanding differently? 

“Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

This quote illustrates the fact that every person is born with different gifts or skills. While some skills can be developed, some may be innate skills that can be further enhanced if practiced.

Part 5: Demonstrate an understanding of differentiated instruction

How can students demonstrate their understanding differently? 

Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences states that each person has different intelligences, and different strengths they use in their daily lives. A traditional pencil and paper-based test is not the only way a student can demonstrate his or her learning. 

Part 5: Demonstrate an understanding of differentiated instruction

How can students demonstrate their understanding differently? 

• Logical/Mathematical: Create a flowchart showing the steps you will take to differentiate a lesson.

• Visual: Create a Prezi to demonstrate your knowledge of differentiated instruction and/or how you can differentiate a lesson in the subject you teach.

Part 5: Demonstrate an understanding of differentiated instruction

How can students demonstrate their understanding differently? 

• Intrapersonal/Interpersonal: Create a Screen Capture and Recording on the Chromebook explaining examples of how you can differentiate a lesson. 

• Verbal/Linguistic: Using Google Docs, write a journal entry summarizing your understanding of differentiated instruction and/or how you can differentiate a lesson in a subject you teach. 

Part 5: Demonstrate an understanding of differentiated instruction

How can students demonstrate their understanding differently? 

• Musical: Create a song that demonstrates your knowledge of differentiated instruction and/or how you can differentiate a lesson in the subject you teach.  

• Naturalistic: Sketch or draw using Google Draw how to make your classroom setting conducive to differentiated instruction.      

Part 5: Demonstrate an understanding of differentiated instruction

How can students demonstrate their understanding differently? 

Here’s an example that I made of a nontraditional assessment: https://platform.breakoutedu.com/game/play/new-teacher-workshop-2022-247860-9E9L8WYB8O

Part 5: Demonstrate an understanding of differentiated instruction

How can students demonstrate their understanding differently? 

Bethpage has access to BreakoutEDU. BreakoutEDU allows you to create or use a premade escape room where students use their knowledge of the material to complete the puzzle.

Open Ended

This afternoon, we explored several resources.

Please choose one and describe how you could use it in your classroom.

​Resources

Bethpage Schools is proud to provide our staff and students with access to a wide array of web-based resources to support teaching and learning.

• Teacher and Student Username & Password Conventions Sheet

• These sheets are CONFIDENTIAL and should not be posted anywhere and are strictly for your reference!

• Bethpage Collection of Google Chrome Apps & Extensions

• Distance Learning Resources on Demand