Personalised Learning (PL) Framework Toolkit
This framework was developed as part of a PhD research project published in “Designing a Framework to Guide Personalisation of the Learning Process in the Context of African Higher Open and Distance Learning” (Haonga & Seymour, 2026). The framework addresses two key challenges: the complexity of developing personalised learning (PL) and the lack of a structured framework to guide its design and implementation. It provides a design artifact to support educators in developing personalised learning (PL) within Open and Distance Learning (ODL) / Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) environments in order to enhance the personalised learning experiences of distance learners.
Primary Citation: Haonga, G. M., & Seymour, L. F. (2026).
“Designing a Framework to Guide Personalisation of the Learning Process in the Context of African Higher Open and Distance Learning.”
UK Academy for Information Systems Conference Proceedings 2026, Article 15.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ukais2026/15
Advances in educational technologies, particularly e-learning systems, have transformed learning from traditional classroom-based instruction to flexible and distance-learning environments. As a result, ODL institutions increasingly serve learners with diverse backgrounds and learning needs. This shift highlights the importance of designing learning experiences that accommodate learner diversity and support individual learning requirements. However, many existing educational systems and instructional approaches continue to rely on "one-size-fits-all" models that inadequately address the varied needs of learners in ODL contexts.
Consequently, there is a growing need for learning environments that recognise individual learner characteristics and provide opportunities for learners to progress according to their unique needs and pace of learning.
Personalised learning has emerged as a promising approach for tailoring educational experiences to individual learner characteristics and needs, thereby enhancing learner engagement and overall learning outcomes. Furthermore, personalised learning aligns with 21st century priorities that emphasise learner-centred approaches and the provision of adaptive learning experiences based on factors such as learners’ capabilities, prior knowledge, preferences, learning styles, and skills. In response to these needs, the proposed framework provides educators with a structured approach for understanding and designing personalised learning experiences within the ODL environments. It identifies the key processes, components, and underlying elements required for the effective design and implementation of personalised learning within ODL environments.
The framework comprises four interrelated components: learner characteristics, personalised learning adaptation, technology integration, and personalised feedback and assessment. Together, these components provide a comprehensive foundation for the design and delivery of personalised learning experiences in higher education.
