What is Learner Variability?
Meet Lily and Alex, two six-year-olds in the same class.
Lily loves to sing and dance. She finds it hard to sit still and focus on reading and writing, preferring to move and play. Alex, on the other hand, enjoys connecting what he learns to real life but finds math tricky and abstract. He also has mild hearing loss, which makes it difficult for him to focus in noisy classrooms.
Lily and Alex are two unique individuals with different skills and needs, so why would we expect their learning journeys to look the same?
Every child learns in their own way. This concept, called learner variability, means recognizing and valuing each child’s strengths, challenges, and interests. Instead of expecting every child to learn in the same way, we can help them thrive by adapting their learning experiences to fit their individual abilities and needs.
How Can Apps Support Learner Variability?
Mobile apps offer a fantastic opportunity to put learner variability into practice by providing tailored experiences.
For example, kids like Lily can benefit from apps with sing-along alphabet songs, fun letter-tracing games, and interactive stories that keep them engaged while developing their reading and writing skills.
On the other hand, apps with games that connect math concepts to real-world situations can help kids like Alex apply what they learn to their daily lives. Apps can also support kids like Alex, who have hearing challenges, by using visual and tactile cues. They can provide a quiet environment, such as with headphones, to help them focus.
By choosing apps that align with your child’s unique abilities and needs, you can help them enjoy learning in ways that work best for them!
How to Unlock Your Child’s Potential with Educational Apps
Next time you search for educational apps, consider the following to ensure the app is a good fit for your child’s needs:
- Home and Personal Needs: Think about your child’s background, environment, and any specific needs they may have. For example, if your child has vision challenges, look for apps that include text-to-speech features, reading aids, or audiobooks. If they’re learning a second language or don’t have access to many books at home, seek apps with strong literacy content or multilingual options.
- Social and Emotional Skills: Consider your child’s social and emotional needs and motivations. For kids who struggle with self-regulation, apps that teach emotional understanding and management can be helpful. Children who experience challenges with a sense of belonging or stereotyping may benefit from culturally responsive content and activities that foster empathy through perspective-taking.
- Thinking and Learning Skills: Take into account your child’s cognitive abilities. For children who need support with remembering information, try apps that offer repetition, music, and dance, along with content presented in simple, clear, and concise ways. Apps with timers for activities and a clean, uncluttered visual design with minimal distracting audio can help kids who struggle with attention and focus.
- Learning Goals: Identify specific skills your child needs to practice and what they already know. Whether it’s math, reading, or another area, look for apps that target these skills in a way that allows your child to progress at their own pace.
By considering these factors, you can find apps that are not just fun but truly supportive of your child’s unique learning journey!
For more information on learner variability, check Digital Promise’s website: https://digitalpromise.org/initiative/learner-variability-project/