Differentiated instruction at professional development too

As teachers, we are expected and required to differentiate our instruction each and every day. In doing so, we need to teach all of our learners. That means that we need to challenge those students who have solid background knowledge and are beyond the benchmark. It also means that we need to modify our instruction even further for those students who are struggling with the content.

Given what we are required to do all day, is it unreasonable to think that we could possibly participate in differentiated instruction ourselves, as learners during a professional development seminar? Our professional development yesterday afternoon focused on technology and using some newer technology that our district recently recieved. Prior to the training, all of the teachers were asked to fill out surveys related to the technology that ranked our skills. While completing the survey was time consuming, it was more frustrating that the information was not used to inform instruction.

SO there were people like myself with some technology-savvy skills. Then there were other people who were asking basic, basic questions. It would have been a more beneficial use of time to look carefully at people's skills as measured on the survey and then divide people into groups. I for one would have been good if i didnt need to listen to how to turn the device on for 20 minutes and instead got to learn how to use one of it's applications.

Just a little a rant. I am excited about the technology and the potential impact it has on teaching and learning. I am grateful for whatever monies purchased it. I just wish to be taught at my instructional level, thats all.