Adaptive Learning: The Smart Path to Positive Results
Many long-standing problems are being solved through innovative solutions, as technology continues to amplify its role in different spheres, including education. Standardized teaching structure is one of those problems… because students don’t come in standardized models.
Students have traditionally been grouped based on their age rather than capabilities and followed the grading systems that are heavily focussed on final exam results which may not always assess those capabilities accurately. Therefore, the chances of many students being left behind are high because their learning approach may not align with the course delivery method.
A Customized Approach
Many instructors have started on their journey towards a diverse academic environment where students can gain mastery of new course concepts and progress to the next level at their own pace. Many have also started to integrate informal and formal practices, offer experiential learning and broaden their horizons with regards to student assessments.
In an ideal world, teachers would personalise their teaching and assessment tactics based on the individual student but unfortunately there are not enough hours in the day for universal private mentorship.
Fortunately, technology has given us the hope to bridge the gap between an ideal situation and reality. Adaptive learning systems provide the data to personalize courses that scale to each student’s needs: data that is based on performance, preferences, and predictive analyses. Machine learning merges with instructor-led training to create a uniquely designed experience.
A Winning Solution
Adaptive learning uses data-driven methods to evaluate and present the most effective content delivery. It becomes easier for the instructors to keep their students of virtual classroom on track. Real-time analytics help them to stay updated with the individual progress, so that they can fill any gaps. And a deeper dive understanding the varying levels of skills, knowledge, and behaviours can help inform wise decisions on how participants can be grouped together for collaborative activities.
In online courses, students feel motivated by the right content at the right time. They feel less constraint due to flexible time frame. Their interest levels are maintained, and they do not get bored by studying topics that they already know. Simultaneously, they are not daunted by rushing through study material that they haven’t understood fully before moving on to the next one.
Real-Time Learning
Transcending basic digital experiences, holistic adaptive learning systems involve real-time customization to each student’s level of engagement, specific objectives, and skill sets. They respond to the students’ activity, adapting content to their level of achievement.
The algorithms shape a better learning path that encourages student success and facilitates the instructor gauge. They also help address any problems that arise during the journey. Advanced artificial intelligence delivers instant feedback on critical data points, serving as a foundation for tailoring the information and preparing for the next phase.
This approach offers a very efficient learning technique, focusing on the key content that requires the most attention and provides links to extra resources for further support. Reports are valuable for both students and teachers as they can track and make corrections as they progress.
McGraw Hill has developed a user-friendly and AODA-compliant adaptive learning solution through its Connect platform. SmartBook enables the educator to select the right content and build on each student’s knowledge base.
Partners in Higher Education
These digital platforms work very well with other online tools, such as - discussion boards, Q&A sessions, or quizzes to evaluate the knowledge gained through the adaptive learning components.
It is imperative that there’s a personal interaction between the instructors and their students wherein instructors answer questions, provide guidance, and encourage engagement. A regular presence provides insights into the habits of the students, which helps in refining their experience.
The constructive synergy between the instructor and student makes sure that the knowledge is being communicated and comprehended. Rather than passive listeners of classroom lectures, the students become proactive partners in the academic process, as they measure their own performance, enhance their skills, and monitor their progress.
Adaptive learning is a truly motivating and compelling method to encourage students to boost confidence in their own capabilities and help achieve their full potential. It also facilitates them to acknowledge that their instructors also care for them and their goals. Artificial intelligence complements educators’ expertise to achieve positive outcomes: it is truly a productive partnership.