One way I'm incorporating personalized learning into my classroom is by using AI tools to give students more voice and agency in how they learn and demonstrate understanding. For over 7 years, I have been teaching students and educators about AI. With all of the tools available, it is important to help students understand how to use them to enhance learning. For example, students in my classroom use AI platforms like Curipod, Snorkl, School AI, or MagicSchool to enhance their language learning experiences. I create custom chatbots or speaking prompts to help students build confidence and comfort in speaking and for them to have more personalized experiences based on the feedback they receive and the adaptations the AI makes while working with the student.
At Legacy Online School, personalized learning isn't an add-on--it's at our very core. One way we're doing it well is through adaptive pacing tracks. Each student is set up on a track--standard, accelerated, or extended--based on how they're doing in the first two weeks. We use early diagnostic scores, learning habits, and student feedback to recommend a pace that works for them and how they learn, not necessarily their grade level. But the bigger lesson here is that personalization isn't about giving students more choice--it's about giving them the right choice. If you give them too many choices without support, it becomes chaos. So we assign each student a personal Learning Support Specialist who regularly checks in and helps to hone the learning path as needed. My advice to others: start small. Fancy equipment is not needed--just ask one simple question of students: "Is this working for you?" and be ready to improvise when the answer is no. Personalization starts with listening, not with high-tech gadgetry.
As an English Language Development teacher, I've worked with students from diverse backgrounds with varying language needs. I recall a student who had just arrived from abroad, startled by the school bells, unfamiliar with push sinks, and without any experience using computers. Personalized learning was essential in helping him adapt to these new school norms and develop his English skills. This experience highlights the importance of understanding each student deeply. My advice to educators is to gain a comprehensive understanding of your students by exploring their interests, cultural backgrounds, and language proficiency levels. This awareness enables educators to tailor their approach, meeting students where they are and ensuring equitable access to education.
Personalized learning has transformed the way I approach teaching, enabling me to cater to individual student needs while maintaining a cohesive class atmosphere. One effective strategy I’ve implemented is the use of learning stations, where students rotate between different activities tailored to their skills and interests. This allows them to engage with materials at their own pace, encouraging deeper understanding and sustained interest in topics they feel passionate about. For educators looking to adopt personalized learning, my key piece of advice is to start small. Begin by incorporating elements that address diverse learning styles and then gradually integrate more complex adaptations, such as technology-assisted personalized assessments or flexible grouping. Remember, the goal is to make learning more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, so be patient and responsive to both the successes and the challenges.