One size doesn’t fit all: how EdTech can enable personalised learning

Whether you favour a hands-on approach or prefer to absorb information through reading or listening to explanations, learning isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Each of us absorbs and processes information in unique ways.

Through AI-enabled technology that caters to students’ individual abilities and chosen learning methodology, children are increasingly able to learn in a way that suits them.

Read on to explore how effective use of EdTech can facilitate personalised learning.

Adaptive learning with a range of options

Students often need to learn at their own pace due to their individual needs and abilities. Every mind is unique; some students may thrive at mental maths and problem-solving but struggle with their writing and reading comprehension skills, while others may excel in tests and exams yet experience difficulties with practical subjects like P.E and art. 

AI-enabled digital platforms use algorithms to assess a student’s performance in real-time and adjust the difficulty and type of content accordingly. Whether it's a maths app that adapts based on how many questions a student gets right or a reading tool that offers texts at just the right level of complexity, adaptive learning makes sure students are learning at a level that’s right for them.

These automated EdTech tools also offer a wide range of content in different formats - videos, podcasts, interactive simulations, text, quizzes, and games - allowing students to choose how they engage with the material. This is especially beneficial for SEND students and neurodivergent learners, who might find traditional methods limiting, unengaging or overstimulating.

Here are a few examples of popular learning tools and platforms used across the UK:

• Microsoft 365 Copilot - 2025 updates include an AI-enabled ‘Suggested Feedback’ feature, which generates personalised feedback that aligns with student performance and expectations.
• Moodle - a free, open-source LMS designed to help teachers create online courses and learning experiences. Used by schools globally, it offers personalised features such as learning paths and competency-based learning.
• Quizlet - a digital tool that enables students to create, share and study flashcards. It is particularly useful for memorising terms, definitions and concepts across various subjects.
• Notion AI - this tool allows students to manage their notes or projects, perform various tasks and plan their studies efficiently. A solid organisational tool that helps increase productivity, Notion simplifies complex projects and can create content and summaries from notes.
• Kahoot! - a competitive game-based learning platform that allows teachers to create quizzes, surveys, and discussion prompts. Students participate using their devices, earning points for correct answers and speed.
• NotebookLM - an AI-powered tool from Google designed to assist students and educators with research, note-taking, and learning. It can summarise documents, generate study guides and even provide audio overviews, making it a particularly valuable asset when it comes to longform essays and large projects.

Instant feedback

Unlike traditional settings where students might wait days or even weeks for a teacher to mark their work, digital tools can offer real-time responses - highlighting mistakes, explaining correct answers and suggesting next steps immediately. This rapid feedback loop helps accelerate the learning process, as well as boosting student confidence in their abilities.

Online platforms like Seneca, which offers interactive resources and revision tools to help students in a range of subjects and levels from key stage 3 (KS3) to 5, provide time-saving features like auto-marking and reporting. Not only does this make setting homework and assignments much easier but it also allows students to learn from and correct their mistakes from the moment they’re made.

Assistive technology

For many SEND students a personalised learning approach is crucial in ensuring unique needs are met. Mainstream lessons may be unsuitable for SEND students for a number of reasons, from the environment itself to learning content and lesson structure.

Assistive technology in education refers to a range of tools, devices, software, and equipment that are designed to support and enhance the learning experience of students with disabilities or learning challenges. These technologies aim to remove barriers to education and provide students with equal access to educational opportunities.

Examples of assistive technology include:

• Speech recognition software - speech-to-text technology converts spoken language into written text and is particularly beneficial in classrooms for students who struggle with writing or typing, enabling them to easily translate their thoughts into written form.
• Text-to-speech technology - converts written text into spoken words, making it a useful tool in education. It can support students with dyslexia by enabling them to complete reading assignments more easily. Additionally, it benefits students who struggle with verbal expression, allowing them to write down their ideas and have the software read them aloud.
• Screen readers - this technology transforms written content into audio by reading the on-screen text aloud to students. Designed specifically for students with visual impairments or blindness, it offers advanced features beyond those of standard text-to-speech software.
• Assistive listening - a number of assistive listening systems can be used to help people who are hard of hearing or deaf. The systems usually use a microphone attached to the teacher, coupled with a transmission technology to bring the sound to the user more efficiently. It often improves the effectiveness of hearing aids and cochlear implants. 
  

Novatia is now a proud member of the British Assistive Technology Association - through our ICT in education services, we’re dedicated to providing accessible learning for all.

Learning analytics and data

With EdTech tools, educators now have access to powerful insights. Real-time dashboards and learning analytics track student progress, highlight strengths and weaknesses and can even predict which students might be at risk of falling behind. 

Data-driven insights can monitor and analyse:

• Academic performance
• Engagement metrics
• Attendance and behaviour

Armed with this information, teachers can intervene earlier, provide targeted support or even change their approach entirely.

At Novatia, we’re constantly thinking of ways to improve your institution’s ICT strategy. We take our passion, knowledge, and experience of ICT to make a real difference to learning outcomes in education. From ICT procurement to audits and strategy, we supply the correct solutions for your organisation’s needs both inside and outside the classroom. 

For more information on our services, please get in touch with us today.