Teachers’ Guide

1.2 Adaptive learning

Adaptive learning is a computer-based and/or online educational system that modifies the presentation of material in response to student performance. Adaptive learning (applied in education and business training) is an educational method which uses computers as interactive teaching devices; it combines human and mediated resources in order to meet to each learner’s needs, relying on a range of fields such as: computer science, education, psychology, and brain science. In the adaptive learning systems the learner turns from a passive receptor of information into a collaborator in the educational process. They have been designed as desktop computer applications, web applications, and are now being introduced into overall curricula.

Adaptive learning has been implemented in educational systems such as adaptive hypermedia, intelligent tutoring systems, computerized adaptive testing, and computer-based pedagogical agents. Most systems include some or all of the following models (occasionally with different names):

• Expert model – The model with the information which is to be taught
  The expert model stores information about the material which is being taught. This can be simple (solutions for the question set) or complex (lessons and tutorials and, even expert methodologies to illustrate approaches to the questions). Adaptive learning systems which do not include an expert model will typically incorporate these functions in the instructional model.
• Student model – The model which tracks and learns about the student
  The simplest means of determining a student's skill level is the method employed in CAT (computerized adaptive testing). In CAT, the subject is presented with questions that are selected based on their level of difficulty in relation to the presumed skill level of the subject.
• Instructional model – The model which actually conveys the information
  The instructional model generally includes the best educational tools that technology has to offer (such as multimedia presentations) with expert teacher advice for presentation methods. In a CAT-style student model, the instructional model will simply rank lessons in correspondence with the ranks for the question pool. When the student's level has been satisfactorily determined, the instructional model provides the student with the appropriate lesson.
• Instructional environment – The user interface for interacting with the system
  Distance learning Adaptive learning systems can be implemented in distance learning and group collaboration on the Internet. Distance learning now encompasses aspects of adaptive learning. Current trends in distance learning use adaptive learning to implement intelligent dynamic behaviour in the learning environment. While a student is learning a new concept he/she is tested on their abilities and databases track their progress using one of the models.
  The latest generation of distance learning systems take into account the students' answers and adapt themselves to the student's cognitive abilities ('cognitive scaffolding'). Cognitive scaffolding is the ability of an automated learning system to create a cognitive path of assessment from lowest to highest based on the demonstrated cognitive abilities.
  Adaptive learning can be incorporated to facilitate group collaboration within distance learning environments like forums or resource sharing services (automated grouping of users with the same interests, and personalization of links to information sources based on the user's stated interests or the user's surfing habits).

Online Resources

• Lavieri, Edward D, A study of adaptive learning for educational game designThis research developed and validated the ALGAE (Adaptive Learning GAme dEsign) model, a comprehensive adaptive learning model based on game design theories and practices, instructional strategies, and adaptive models.
• Adaptive learningFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Adaptive learning systems have traditionally been divided into separate components or 'models'
• Adaptive learningArticle on the history of adaptive learning platforms and how adaptive learning technology personalizes learning. The article offer as example the adaptive learning technology for math intervention.
• Adapting To Adaptive LearningAdaptive Learning has been a frequently used term in education for many years but today, with the advent of more ubiquitous technology in schools, education systems are placing more emphasis on the advantages of leveraging adaptive techniques within both assessments and instructional programs.
• What is adaptive learningAdaptive learning makes content dynamic and interactive, placing the student at the center of his or her individual learning experience
• What is adaptive learningAdaptive learning is a branch of the much wider area of personalised learning. What makes adaptive learning unique is that it’s focused on the use of technology to personalise learning.