Although adaptive learning is an idea that has been around for quite a while, originally developed by behaviorist B.F. Skinner during the 1950s, the introduction of technology that can help facilitate the process is something recent. Adaptive learning is essentially an online or computer-based educational system that changes the presentation of the material based on the performance of the student. The system gathers data on your knowledge and skills in order to determine which materials and tasks to present to you in order to learn more efficiently.
The reason why adaptive learning is such a powerful process is that it allows students to focus on lessons and tasks that are most challenging to them. Thanks to programmers who have created systems that track the response time for each question, students can now learn as if they have a qualified personal tutor by their side. There’s a good chance that adaptive learning will be the main way to going through school material in the future. Online courses have also started using this technology in order to help people learn quicker. Certain courses like Surgent CPA Review even offer exam prep for schools by letting them embed their program into the college’s curriculum.
Many schools have now started adding various adaptive learning programs to their curriculum - not only universities but elementary and high schools as well. Of course, one of the main reasons why they are doing this is because it offers them a chance to let their students learn effectively without spending a lot of funds. According to an article published by the Singapore Management University, using adaptive digital technology leads to an increase in pass rates and lower fail rates. Not only that, but teachers are also able to see which skills each of their students lack. This means that they can create personalized instructions for every student, which will help them understand the material.
Note that this makes the teachers’ jobs much easier since they would’ve hardly been able to otherwise identify each individual’s strengths and weaknesses. Even with hours of one-on-one tutoring, they wouldn’t have insight that adaptive learning systems provide. The reason why these systems are so effective is because they engage your Zone of Proximal Development. In other words, they hit that fine spot between your comfort zone and frustration zone. This means that they won’t be repeating the lessons they’ve mastered but also won’t be faced with tasks so challenging that they wouldn’t be able to solve them.
Keep in mind that you should be very picky in case you decide to take an online course that uses adaptive learning algorithms. When a school chooses or creates a tailored program for its students, you can rest assured that they’ve made the right choice. However, when you have to make a decision, it’s best to do a lot of research before spending your money. Know that some websites will claim that their courses feature adaptive learning even though they don’t. It’s recommended to only seek out websites that offer free trials so you can see for yourself that the adaptive learning software is doing what it’s supposed to. Proper AL software is meant to constantly keep you motivated by giving you appropriate challenges for your skill level.
Aside from being seen as the future of learning in schools, AL has also recently become popular in the corporate world. In fact, an article published by Medium referred to it as the future of corporate learning. Even though it has proven to significantly improve pass rates in school, it can offer greater benefits to companies because their employees will be more aware of why they need to master a certain skill, which will make them more motivated to learn. On the other hand, companies are eager to invest in the adaptive learning model because it allows them to improve workforce development without breaking the bank.
It’s still too soon to tell if adaptive learning technology will have the effect many people predict. However, since funding for schools doesn’t really grow much anywhere in the world, it seems like the next logical step would be to start adapting the AL model.