Abstract
The educational system is undergoing radical pressure to change. The increased need for individuals to learn and adapt has resulted in a huge demand for higher education. However, higher educational institutes are failing to keep pace with learner and societal needs. Firstly, the skills profile required for individuals to succeed is changing; there is a change in emphasis from discipline-specific to transversal skills due to the dynamic labor market. Secondly, the learner profile has changed with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and contexts, and catering for such a diverse range of students is challenging. Technology is a key enabler in providing HEIs with the means to address such issues. This chapter explores a conceptual model which integrates pedagogical approaches such as multiple intelligence theory, learning styles, competency-based education with digital technologies to offer a solution to some of the concerns facing higher education in the 21st century.
TopPersonalised Learning Pedagogies
The concept of personalised or individualised learning is not a new phenomenon. The concept is strongly rooted in the constructivism pedagogical paradigm. Theorists back as far as Socrates have recognised the importance of identifying the individuals ‘ability and natural disposition’ (Lawrence, 1970, p. 4). This was later reinforced by Rosseau in his theory of well-regulated freedom in which students are given choice to support their natural capacity to learn. (Dishon, 2017) and was advocated by Dewey in his criticism of the traditional didactic model.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Competency: Attributes, skills, or behaviors of a person required to perform a specific role or task.
Multiple Intelligences: A theory that illustrates the capacity of individuals to develop and apply skills can occur in different ways and are represented differently in each individual. It acknowledges that all forms of intelligence given equal recognition to allow an individual to fully contribute and participate in meaningful learning.
21st Century Learning: Skills or attributes required to actively participate and add value in a changing society.
Personalized: Tailored to an individual’s needs.
Digital Learning Object: A standalone piece of digital content that can be used and reused for learning purposes.
Multimodal Learning: Learning that offers multiple forms of engagement.
Personalized Learning Environment: A digital space that is tailored to an individual’s learning preferences and mode of learning to present the relevant learning content and learning activities in a sequence, format and engagement mode that meets their personal learning needs.