Overview

Heterogeneity in learning groups can manifest in various, not uniformly determined dimensions. It includes the students’ age, learning type, gender, nationality, talent, origin, language, religious denomination, interests and much more. It can be an extremely difficult issue for teachers to address however digital learning offers some tools and techniques that when combined with traditional approaches can be effective.

Learning diagnosis

One field in which there a number of high quality resources which allow you to ascertain any weaknesses before they start your course.

The OECD offers a free tool which is "designed to provide individual-level results that are linked to the OECD Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) measures of literacy, numeracy and problem solving in technology-rich environments."

The tool is available in a number of different languages and provides educators with the information that can help diagnose the strengths and weaknesses of learners and evaluate the results of training against national and international benchmarks.

The tool can also be used to help educators who are interested in assessing the learning needs of unemployed adults, at risk groups or economically disadvantaged adults.

Girl taking an online test

Individualised learning goals and provide differentiated learning content

With evidence of any student weaknesses through diagnostic testing digital learning allows teachers to provide individual learning paths that can address these weaknesses. At its simplest this might involve providing students with relevant modules at the start of the course to address any issues they have. These modules could also be included throughout any course where individual students with identified issues could be directed to complete them along with core course work.

Tracking student performance

Digital learning systems make it easy for teachers to track student performance. Systems like Moodle and Canvas give the teacher a detailed overview of a variety of metrics that allows for the analysis of student performance. Other systems e.g. Desire2Learn include algorithms that can automatically identify students at risk.

They key questions teachers should consider when monitoring student performance is to ascertain;

Is there a measurably improvement in performance?

Are there any students who are at risk and need immediate intervention?

Material resources

Learners who are economically disadvantaged may well not have the same level access to devices or connectivity. One way to circumnavigate this issue is to ensure that learning works well on smartphones. Ownership of this type of advice is now widespread and offers the teacher the chance to deliver digital learning without relying on students having computers or tablets.

Man and child learning on their phones

Interconnectivity

Digital tools offer a number of opportunities to promote student collaboration. Learning management systems like Moodle and Canvas have tools included that make asynchronous and synchronous communication possible. Many systems also have tools that allow live collaboration on shared documents or workspaces. Encouraging students to work together on projects encourages mutual peer support which can help those with deficits.

This topic is covered more intensively in the Module Inclusive Digital Learning which you can view here.

You have now completed the module on digital resources.

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