1. Teaching Gifted Students Through Distance Learning
Curriculum Integration of Technology
PSE 6608
V. Gibson

2. What is Distance Learning?
An institution in which
learning groups are physically separated, but are brought together
by electronic interactive means.

3. Who is a Gifted Student? The Georgia Department of Education
defines a gifted student as one who
“demonstrates a high degree of intellectual and or creative ability, exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation, excels in specific academic fields, and who needs special instruction and or ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities.”

4. Characteristics of Gifted Students Learning
Superior intelligence
Excellent memory
Highly logical
Learn easily and rapidly
Extensive vocabulary
Skilled problem solvers
Original and elaborate ideas
Sustained attention span
Highly observant
More curious than average students
Question things critically
Transfer learning
Ask challenging and though provoking questions

5. Characteristics of Gifted Students
Motivational
See tasks to completion
Learn independently
Dislike cooperative learning
Take charge
Delegate responsibilities
Opinionated
Strong beliefs

6. Characteristics of Gifted Students
Creative
Intellectually playful and humorous
Likes experimentation
Find new and creative ways of doing things

7. Needs of Gifted Students
Challenged mentally
Tailored instructions (level of work)
Differentiated instructions
Taught appropriate study skills
Mentor or counselor (preferably gifted)
Interact with other gifted students
Pursue their own learning goals

8. Problems Encountered by Gifted Students
Loneliness and isolation from their peers
Misunderstood by their peers
boredom
Underachievement
lack of teacher training and differentiation

9. Distance Learning Protocol Instructor Must Provide
Why Distance Learning?
Distance Learning Protocol
Instructor Must Provide
A Storyboard of the Course
Detailed Instruction About Student Role
Detailed Instruction About Instructor Role
A syllabus
Course Expectation and Grading Information
A Rubric
Flexible Assignment Deadlines
Consistent Feedback
Flexible Information

10. Gifted Learning Protocol Instructor Must Provide
Why Distance Learning?
Gifted Learning Protocol
Instructor Must Provide
A Storyboard of the Course
Detailed Instruction About Student Role
Detailed Instruction About Instructor Role
A syllabus
Course Expectation and Grading Information
A Rubric
Flexible Assignment Deadlines
Consistent Feedback
Flexible Information
Independent Study Contract

11. Why Distance Learning?
Gifted students leave behind feelings of rejection and isolation from their peers
Flexibility of time and space
Students work at their own pace
Meet their academic peers online
Various content presentation
Multimedia, video, text, images, research studies, analytic reports, mini thesis, animated products using macromedia flash, dialogue, digitized animation, discussion forums, synchronous and asynchronous online discussions

12. Online Classroom for Gifted Students

13. Student Web Page for Gifted Students

14. Disadvantages of Distance Learning for Gifted Students
Lack of Teacher Training with Online Tools
Online Lectures
Information Overload
Credible/Lack of Credible Information
Special Hardware and Software
Service Disruption

15. Online Traits/Gifted Traits
Student Requirements
Online Traits/Gifted Traits
Self Discipline
Motivation
Comfort with the Technology
Time Management Skills
Self Selected Mode of Learning

16. Gifted Student Feedback
Satisfaction with the Program.
Self Paced Learning
Rapid academic Progression
Advance Placement Classes
Higher Scores than Previously
Adequate Technical Assistance
Easy Access to Information
Satisfactory Online Communication
Desire for Continued Online Education

17. References
Adams, C. M., & Cross, T. L. (1999, Winter). Distance learning opportunities for academically gifted students. Journal of Secondary Gifted Education, 11(2), 88.
Albright, M., Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., & Zvacek, S. (2006). Teaching and learning at a distance (3rd ed.). Columbus, OH: Pearson.
Bull, K., Hull, D., May, J., Montgomery, D., & Overton, R. (2000, March 10). Beginning an online introductory gifted course. Retrieved July 7, 2008, from
Cyr, S. (2004, Spring). Can distance learning meet the needs of gifted elementary math students?. Gifted Child Today, 27(2), 42.
Del, S. (2002, Fall). A new educational opportunity for teachers and parents. Gifted Child Today, 25(4), 30.
Education Blog Romow (2008, June 4). How to teach gifted students. Retrieved July 10, 2008, from
Mocomb Intermediate School District (2004). Gifted children. Retrieved July 1, 2008, from
Nicholas, H., & Ng, W. (2007, Spring). Technology and independent learning. Roeper Review, 29(3),
Peanut Butter Wiki (2008). Peanut Butter Wiki. Retrieved July 10, 2008, from
Ruth, S. S. (2006). Meeting the needs of gifted students. Retrieved July 1, 2008, from
Tomlinson, C. A. (1995, October). Differentiating Instruction for Advanced Learners in the Mixed-Ability Middle School Classroom. Eric Digest, #E536