Digital tools to transform the classroom

In classrooms with very diverse learners, how can educators take into account each individual student’s needs and help all children develop to their full potential? Adaptive teaching is a promising approach, and digital tools offer a great opportunity to tailor instruction to each learner and free up teachers’ time for individual support. However, this approach can only be truly successful if it is available to all children, providing a more equitable educational environment for everyone.

When it comes to learning, children have very different needs. This is particularly evident in a classroom environment. Whereas some children are able to work independently and comprehend quickly, others need more support from the teacher and more time to complete a task.

Teachers all over the world work with students who differ greatly in their interests, abilities and prior knowledge. How can they optimize the learning of all children, whatever their needs? An effective and flexible approach is called adaptive teaching, a concept we discussed in a prior video. Yet adaptive teaching is often difficult to put into practice.

Digital tools can facilitate adaptive teaching, as they are a helpful resource for tailoring instruction to individual students.

Whether we’re talking about an interactive app on a tablet that explains physical laws or an automatic translation program for children who are not yet fluent in the language of instruction, digital technologies have the potential to transform the classroom into a learning environment that meets the needs of every child.

However, digital tools must be widely available and used responsibly if they are to promote social inclusion and better learning outcomes for all students. The goal is to provide a better and more equitable educational environment for everyone.

Our latest animated video shows how digital technologies can be used in the classroom and their role in adaptive teaching.