What Does Personalized Learning Look Like in an Age of Smart Machines? (Hint: It Involves Less Screentime)


For the last year or so, I have seen a backlash against screen time. Schools are banning smart phones and doing audits relating to screen time. I've seen schools second guess programmed adaptive learning curriculum and recognize the distinction between screen-based, algorithm-centered adaptive learning and genuine personalized learning based on a notion of deeper learning:

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Note that this type of authentic personalized learning is inherently human-driven, even if it's messy and at times more chaotic. It is driven by

This type of deeper learning often incorporates elements of compacting

With compacting, students can skip some of the elements they have already mastered and focus, instead, on the standards where they need additional work. Unlike adaptive learning programs, though, this process uses less technology and more face-to-face interaction.

Compacting can feel messy and chaotic. It requires additional organizational structures and complex communication with students. Not to mention the sheer number of curriculum materials that students will need as they potentially spend weeks on certain standards. However, with AI tools, we can organize data and design new materials faster than ever (something we’ll get to later in this article).

In other words, the AI fuels aspects of the back-end of the process while centering on deeper learning competencies like mastery, focus, collaboration, and problem-solving.

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So, with that in mind, I would like to share an article I wrote a few years ago about how we can design personalized learning in a way that helps students develop the depth advantage they'll need in a culture of shallow distractions.

Read the Full Article

You can find the full article here. If you find it helpful, please consider sharing it out on social media.

Let's Work Together!

If you'd like to learn more about how to make deeper learning work in your school or district, I would love to partner together with your school, district, or conference. You might be interested in keynotes or workshops on ethical AI integration or deeper learning, PBL, and empowering students.

Most workshops and keynotes include participant access to my self-paced courses so that participants have access to professional learning after the day's event.

Please reach out to me at john@spencereducation.com or fill out the form on my speaking page and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I can send you a PD catalog with all the details.

Dr. John Spencer

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John Spencer

Dr. John Spencer is the author of The AI Roadmap, Vintage Innovation, Empower, and Launch. He creates blog posts, articles, and free resources about creativity, project-based learning, deeper learning, and tech integration. Join his free newsletter to get exclusive free access to the ideas, tools, and resources that can help you empower your students.

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