TITLE:
Culturally Relevant Teaching in the Digital Age: Student-Centered and Personalized Learning in Developing Countries
AUTHORS:
Matthieu W. Yangambi
KEYWORDS:
Culture, Teaching and Learning, Curriculum, The Digital Age, Student-Centered Approaches, Innovative Methods
JOURNAL NAME:
Creative Education,
Vol.16 No.1,
January
26,
2025
ABSTRACT: The significance of digital technology and personalization in educating digitally underrepresented students is nowadays paramount. Various documents from developed countries, with the aim of transforming teaching and learning practices in underdeveloped nations mentioned the importance of conforming education in underdeveloped countries with the one in developed countries. The purpose of this study was to find out the importance of culturally relevant teaching (CRT) and personalized learning in underdeveloped countries in this digital age, to contribute towards achieving quality education in underdeveloped communities worldwide, and to preconize effective teaching and learning of concepts. Research published on these specific topics indicated that digital technology associated with CRT and personalized learning positively impacts the lives of digitally underrepresented communities. Teaching strategies such as Adaptive Learning Technologies (ALT) and Universal Design Learning (UDL) enhance teaching and learning in digitally marginalized communities and equip technologically marginalized students with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital age. The importance of adapting the curriculum and instruction of school systems to these unique educational environments, considering the importance of culture, individualized teaching and learning emphasizing digital era application has been found indispensable. The result of this work may inform and encourage educators, policy makers and Government officials about instructional strategies to implement in the classroom to meet the learning needs of every student. This calls for adopting personalized learning and culturally responsive teaching practices for the overall performance of all students. Recommendations are included.