Strategies for the individualization of an informatics course

Abstract

The present paper describes the strategies used to compile and teach an Informatics course developed during last years at Tallinn University of Technology. The strategy is based on the main principles of blended learning and the analysis of the results of experiments with students from different faculties. Various tests were carried out to identify students' levels of knowledge and preferences in their learning process based on their learning styles. Throughout the experiment, students were divided into groups according to the test outcomes. Separate groups were formed of students with different levels of knowledge and learning styles, determined using the Felder-Silverman model. Adaptive learning tools were provided for the students considering the three main aspects: students' background, the level of their prior knowledge and their preferred learning style. The success of the strategy presented in this article is demonstrated by comparing the achievements of the test group with the reference group, who were not taught using the new strategies.