Self-directed learning and personalized learning with technology are like the dynamic duo of education.
Self-directed learning is like giving someone the keys to a car and telling them to figure out how to drive it on their own. Even though they’ll probably make some mistakes in the beginning, they’ll eventually learn how to drive like a professional.
Personalized learning with technology, on the other hand, is like giving that same person a cooler car with all the cool technology to make the driving experience a lot easier.
Plus, it’s way more fun than having someone tell you what to learn. You get to be in charge of your own education and become a lifelong learner.
Thanks to the widespread use of ICT, self-directed learning and personalized learning have never been easier.
Long gone are the days of a traditional classroom, now you can learn anywhere, anytime, and in your own unique way. Schools are even catching on and encouraging their educators to embrace the tech-savvy way of learning.
How does technology support personalized learning?
With the advent of new technologies such as online learning platforms, changes in teaching methodologies, and the widespread availability of internet access on mobile devices, learners are expected to take a more proactive approach to their own education.
With technology in self-directed learning, students can now use blogging tools to write book reviews and have the librarian moderate a conversation around their reading and writing.
Using technology, it’s easier to go beyond the classroom walls and become mini entrepreneurs, like creating an app for summer activities or a suicide outreach app.
Technology is used as both a tool and a context for engaging students, creating a network of resources and support, and personalizing the learning experience so that assessments measure the growth of the whole child, not just their academic abilities.
What is Personalized Learning?
Today’s students are tech-savvy and need something more exciting, like personalized learning.
Personalized learning isn’t a new concept, either, it’s been around since the dawn of education. It’s like a tailor-made suit for education, tailored to fit each student’s unique needs.
Depending on whom you ask, personalized learning could mean a bunch of different things.
It could mean differentiating content or instruction, like giving the math whizzes harder problems and the art enthusiasts more paint. It could mean grouping students based on their interests, like creating a group for the DC fanatics and another for the Marvel enthusiasts.
Not only that, but it could also mean a whole-child approach, like incorporating yoga and meditation into the curriculum.
But thanks to technology, it’s now easier for educators to design and deliver these student-centered lessons. Educators can use fancy tech to create individualized learning pathways, like virtual reality trips to Mesopotamian valleys or underground caves.
This means, no more boring lectures, stacks of worksheets, and one-size-fits-all teaching methods.
Why is personalized learning important?
With personalized learning, you get to pick what you want to learn, and you don’t have to keep up with everyone else. You also get to take charge of your own education, like being the boss of your own learning, and with that, you get to learn cool technology skills, like using computers and the internet.
You also get to learn from your classmates and work with them on projects, and you don’t even have to take those boring standardized tests.
Generally speaking, personalized learning is like having your own personal instructor who knows exactly how you learn and can help you succeed. It’s the perfect way to learn and excel.
How is in-person learning better?
Now, we’re not entirely against in-person learning.
Surely, it often has benefits compared to the new norm of online learning that we’ve now moved towards.
Traditional classroom education creates a structured routine for students, which supports cognitive function and creativity.
For many, the structure of classroom learning is essential and in-person classes provide a sharper distinction between work and home, a sense of community, and the ability to make personal connections with peers.
In-person classes also provide opportunities for networking and building relationships with professionals and experts in one’s field.
However, every student has a different learning journey and learning style, and it is important to consider factors such as personal preferences and learning style when deciding between self-learning and classroom-based learning.
Conclusions of Personalized Learning with Technology
Self-directed learning and personalized learning with technology are both helpful approaches to education that can help students to take more control over their own learning and to achieve more academically.
Every student has a different learning journey and learning style, and it is important to consider factors such as personal preferences when students approach learning methods.
Thanks to technology, educators now have the tools to guide students down the path of knowledge and understanding.
These approaches can also help to create more engaged and motivated learners.
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