Defining Personalized, Differentiated, and Individualized Instruction

Article Overview:

• Differentiated instruction adjusts how content is taught based on the needs of all students. Teachers might modify the format, process, or product of learning depending on students’ readiness levels, learning styles, or abilities.

• Individualized instruction focuses on pacing. All students work toward the same goals, but at their own speed. A common example would be IEPs (Individualized Education Programs).

• Personalized instruction tailors learning to each student’s interests, preferences, and goals. It gives students a voice in how and what they learn, often involving student choice and self-paced learning paths. The focus is on meeting the unique needs of the learner and actively involving them in their education.

(Imagine Learning, 2019)

Personalized Learning with AI

Video Overview:

• Personal interests, like dinosaurs, can spark student engagement across subjects such as science, art, and technology.

• Research shows that students taught by AI characters they admire feel more motivated and interested in advanced topics.

• AI tools are meant to support teachers, not replace them.

• AI can generate inaccurate information, limit creativity if overused, and still requires human input to produce original ideas.