Personalization vs Differentiation vs Individualization
There is a difference between personalization and differentiation and individualization. One is learner-centered; the others are teacher-centered.

Personalization	Differentiation	Individualization
starts with the learner	starts with groups of learners	starts with the needs of the individual learner
connects with interests, passions, and aspirations	adjusts to learning needs of groups of learners	accomodates learning needs of the individual
learners actively participate in the design of their learning	explicit instruction based upon the learning needs of groups of learners	explicit instruction based upon the learning needs of an individual learner
learners have a voice and choice on what they learn	teachers create or adapt instruction and choose roles for learners based on different needs of learners	teachers customize lessons and tasks for learners based on individual needs
different objectives for each learner	same objectives for groups of learners	same objectives for learners with specific objectives for individuals who receive one- on-one support
learner selects appropriate technology and resources to support their learning	technology and resources are selected to support the learning needs of groups of learner	technology and resources are selected to support the learning needs of an individual learner
learners build a network of peers, teachers, and others to guide and support their learning	learners are reliant on the guidance of teachers to support their learning	learners are dependent on individual teachers or para- professionals to support their learning
competency-based models where the learner demonstrates mastery	based on Carnegie unit (seat time), grade level	based on Carnegie unit (seat time), grade level
assessment AS learning	assessment FOR learning	assessment OF learning
teachers develop capacity to create independent learners who set goals, monitor progress, and reflect on learning	assessment involves time- based testing and teachers provide feedback to advance learning	summative assessment is grade-based and involves time- based testing which confirms what learners know and don’t know

Personalized Learning Chart by Barbara Bray and Kathleen McClaskey is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Barbara Bray barbara.bray@gmail.com Website: barbarabray.net Kathleen McClaskey kgmcclaskey@gmail.com Website: edtech-associates.com

Quotes about 21st Century Learners


http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2008/04/ten-21st-century-education-quotes-i.html

I think you will like some of these quotes on this website about 21st century learners!

21st Century Classroom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KMM387HNQk

Check out this youtube video. Then think about your curriculum in your classroom.

This is how my journey began back in December 2011. I was given the opportunity to attend the TIES conference in Minneapolis, MN. I attended a session titled Personalized Learning in the Early Grades. I heard two amazing teachers talk about how they have personalized their instruction for their Kindergarten students in Wisconsin. I knew right away that this instructional strategy was for me and my students. I presented a proposal to my superintendent, principal, tech person, and the curriculum coordinator. They were excited about the proposal and offered to let me and some colleagues go to Wisconsin to see this classroom in action. In March we did that, couldn't believe what we saw, came back and myself and another Kindergarten teacher made another presentation that we shared with our administration. They seemed excited about our plan, and we were asked to write a grant proposal to receive iPads and new furniture for our classroom. We will focus on each child's interest and incorporate the state standards into their individual learning plan. We received approval of the grant in late May, now we are eagerly anticipating what changes they made to our proposal so we can begin planning for our classes this fall.