Differentiated learning often focuses on personal needs and abilities, but another critical dimension is localized learning. This concept recognizes that learners are shaped by their cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic contexts, and therefore instructional strategies should adapt to local realities rather than applying one-size-fits-all global models.

Definition:
Localized learning refers to the adaptation of educational content, tools, and pedagogy to a specific local context—whether geographic, cultural, or linguistic. It ensures that learning materials are relevant, accessible, and meaningful to learners within their environment. This differs from “global learning,” which emphasizes universally applicable content, by stressing the importance of cultural and contextual grounding.

Example in Practice:
A practical example is the use of Khan Academy Lite in rural schools with limited internet access. The platform provides offline, translated versions of Khan Academy lessons in local languages, ensuring that students who lack connectivity still gain access to high-quality resources. Another example is UNESCO’s Open Education for a Better World initiative (link here), which encourages educators to create open educational resources (OERs) tailored to local needs—whether that’s indigenous languages, region-specific case studies, or context-aware problem-solving.

Visual Illustration:
There is a UNESCO infographic on localized learning approaches: UNESCO Localization Strategies.