By Zeineb Ben Azzouz, University of Sousse, Tunisia
Source : https://pixabay.com/photos/different-nationalities-children-1743392/
As a PhD student interested in educational technology, there is one thing that continues to surprise me. Today, almost everything around us is personalized. Netflix recommends movies based on our interests. Spotify suggests music we may like. Social media platforms show different content to different users. Technology adapts to our needs every day.
However, when I look at education, I often see a very different reality. Students with different abilities, interests, backgrounds, and learning speeds usually receive the same lessons and take the same assessments. This contrast is something that makes me wonder.
Why do we accept personalization almost everywhere, but not in education?
During my studies and research, I have learned that every learner is unique. Some students learn quickly and enjoy difficult challenges. Others need more guidance and more time to understand new concepts. Some prefer visual materials, while others learn better through practice and interaction. Yet, despite these differences, educational systems often expect all learners to follow the same path and demonstrate their learning in the same way.
The more I explore this question, the more curious I become. Today, technologies such as artificial intelligence offer new possibilities for adapting learning experiences and assessments. These tools can provide different questions, personalized feedback, and learning activities that respond to individual needs. Yet personalized assessment is still not a common reality for many students.
I do not claim to have answers. In fact, this question is one of the reasons why I decided to pursue doctoral research. I am interested in understanding why this gap exists between what technology can potentially offer and what learners actually experience in educational environments. Is it because educational systems change slowly? Is it because teachers need more support and resources? Or are there other reasons that we do not fully understand yet?
For me, this is an important question because assessment influences the learning experience of every student. When assessment does not consider individual differences, some learners may not have the opportunity to show their full potential. This is why I believe the topic deserves attention and discussion.
As I continue my research journey, I remain fascinated by this simple observation: personalization has become a normal expectation in many aspects of modern life, yet in education it often remains the exception. Why is that, and what can we learn from it?
